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In terms of global recognition as a classic race circuit, Imola never comes far from the top of the list. In a previous age, the venue was known for chariot racing. Now horse power of a very different kind is top of the agenda. However, a certain 18-year-old rider from Turkey has prevented anybody else from having a look-in so far in 2015.

The start of the Superstock 600 season has seen domination from one teenager. Hailing from the Mediterranean Turkish resort of Alanya, Toprak Razgatlıoglu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) has not only won three races out of three this season, but also maintained his 100% victory record dating back to Magny-Cours at the end of last season. He has already become the first rider to clinch the opening trio of race victories in a single season since the FIM Europe Superstock 600 Championship began back in 2005.

So who could challenge the Turk? Pata Honda Junior Team’s Federico Caricasulo of Italy is his nearest contender, 30 points behind and having finished on the podium in both races at MotorLand Aragón. Next up is another Italian in the form of Michael San Carlo Team Italia’s Ruben Rinaldi (in the top three once at MotorLand and again at Assen), a further five points in arrears, while Finland’s Niki Tuuli (Kallio Racing Yamaha) is fourth from Gauthier Duwelz (MVR-Racing Yamaha) of Belgium. The previous eight Imola victors have all moved on to different classes.

Kawasaki also has the advantage when it comes to Imola history. The Japanese marque has won half of the eight Imola Superstock 600 races to have been staged to date, followed by Honda on three and Yamaha on a sole victory. Should Toprak continue his run again this weekend, he will set a new record for five consecutive race wins in the category – an impressive feat should he achieve it, bearing in mind the short length of seasons in the class and his lack of time competing in it.