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After a dramatic Motul Argentinean Round for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship at the Circuito Can Jian Villicum, where there were huge ramifications on where the 2022 title will end up, the paddock heads next to Indonesian for the penultimate round of the season. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK) trails Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) by 82 points with 124 remaining and, after Race 2 in Argentina, Pata Yamaha Team Manager, Paul Denning, discussed the title fight and Razgatlioglu’s hard-fought Tissot Superpole Race win.

Razgatlioglu lost 24 points to Bautista after Saturday’s Race 1 in South America when he crashed on the opening lap as he tried to pass the Championship leader at Turn 9. While Razgatlioglu gained three points with his Superpole Race victory on Sunday, Bautista’s win in Race 2 meant he gained five points to take a Championship lead into Indonesia of 82 points, with Bautista able to win the title in Race 1 at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit.

Discussing the title fight, Denning said: “I think we came here thinking that the Championship was more or less finished, to be honest. Unfortunately Race 1’s result, and the level of the results of Alvaro here, mean it’s pretty much done, to be honest, but let’s at least try to take it to Phillip Island. Let’s try to be competitive in Mandalika, fight for wins there, try to beat Alvaro and at least put him under a little bit of pressure in Phillip Island. That’d be nice. 62 points in one weekend so never say never.”

Denning also discussed Razgatlioglu’s Superpole Race win in Argentina, describing it as “one of his best” wins. Razgatlioglu and Bautista were fighting hard all race but there was an incredible conclusion to the 10-lap shootout as Razgatlioglu looked to re-gain first position into Turn 9, the scene of his Race 1 crash, on no fewer than three occasions after Bautista had passed him down the long back straight, including on the final three laps of the race.

Denning said: “I believe it was three times at Turn 9 he passed Alvaro. I said on the pit wall to Phil, his crew chief, that it shows the level of confidence he has to pass such a good competitor at the corner where he crashed. That was a positive sign. The race was one of the most exciting of the year. It was clear that Toprak’s tactic had to be to put himself in front in the right part on the last lap, with the knowledge that you are always going to be behind at the end of the straight with the performance deficit being so significant here. He rode more than the limit. It’s difficult to say, he’s ridden so many incredible, crazy, good races but I think this was one of the best.”

Two rounds left in 2022 and you can watch them both for only €9.99 using the WorldSBK VideoPass!