Toprak Razgatlioglu says he “loves fighting” Nicolo Bulega following the pair’s duel throughout the Portimao WorldSBK weekend.
The BMW rider was pushed all the way by the Italian, but was able to win all three races to recover from a difficult start to the campaign in Phillip Island.
While the reigning world champion suggested that the bike was still “not at 100 per cent”, he insisted his fighting instinct helped him take home the treble.
“I’m a fighter, I love fighting, I never give up,” Razgatlioglu told WorldSBK.com.
“Okay, the bike is not at 100 per cent, but I’m only pushing for the win.
“Yesterday, for me is a harder race because I lost the front many times, I was just trying to follow him and also win the race.
“This is good, but these two races [on Sunday] also the pace was incredible, and also I’m pushing really hard in these two races.
“I feel a little bit better because we improved the bike a little bit and I feel a bit more grip, but the turning is the same after the new rules.
“I’m just fighting for the win, everyone was enjoying, this is good, but I need the bike the same as last year.
“Anyway, I’m fighting, because after Phillip Island it looks like we came back very strong and we show everyone we are still here, and I will just keep fighting for the next races.”
‘Everyone is enjoying’ Razgatlioglu and Bulega WorldSBK battles
Razgatlioglu admitted he had been targeting the treble coming into the weekend and was delighted to achieve his goals.
He also commended Bulega for their on-track battles and said all WorldBK fans should enjoy these fights for victory.
“This weekend we are pushing very hard in every corner,” he said.
“Also, thanks to the team. Everyone is working really hard to improve the bike, every session we have improved the bike.
“Congratulations to Nicolo [Bulega] because he did an incredible job this weekend, he’s really strong and his pace is very strong.
“Also he improved the bike every session. I’m really happy that we’re fighting with him here, and I think everyone is enjoying to watch the race.
“But, in general this weekend, I had a big target: three wins and Superpole – I did everything, for me it’s an incredible weekend.”
