DEFINING STORIES, ROUND 12 – Razgatlioglu and Bulega clash at Jerez as the title fight ignited in Spain
The top two in the Championship came to blows in the penultimate race of the season when they collided on the opening lap
The title race in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship well and truly exploded at the Circuito de Jerez - Angel Nieto, Andalucia. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) and Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) had been fighting all season but had, so far, managed to avoid coming together – until the Tissot Superpole Race at Jerez, the season finale. It ignited the title fight and sent it to the final race of the season for the first time since 2014.
SETTING THE SCENE: Razgatlioglu out to secure the title with a race to spare
After Bulega had won Race 1 ahead of Razgatlioglu, ‘El Turco’ was in position to wrap up his second consecutive title, and third overall, in the Superpole Race. He headed into Sunday’s first race with a 34-point advantage over Bulega and three points, or a P6 finish, would’ve secured the title regardless of Bulega’s result.
WHAT HAPPENED: A dramatic opening lap…
Razgatlioglu burst into an early lead on the opening lap as he looked to secure the title with a win, although Bulega seemingly had the pace advantage all weekend. Heading into Turn 5, Razgatlioglu was on a slightly wider line while Bulega was able to take a slightly tighter line; something that had been on show just a couple of rounds prior at Aragon. Eventually, their lines converged and they made contact with ‘El Turco’ going sprawling into the gravel and Bulega able to continue; although he was given a Long Lap Penalty for irresponsible riding.
THE KNOCK-ON EFFECT: Title race permutations, Race 2 starting position…
With the Race 2 grid being based on the results of the Superpole Race for the top nine, it meant the #1 would have to start the final race of the season from tenth. Although his permutations hadn’t changed – still needing just three points – he was suddenly in the middle of the pack at the start of the race. For Bulega, he needed to win the race and hope Razgatlioglu couldn’t get the required points.
Re-live all the action from Jerez and get set for 2026 using the WorldSBK VideoPass!
