P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Toprak Razgatlioglu says he was not surprised by Nicolo Bulega’s title challenge in the 2025 WorldSBK season.
Nicolo Bulega’s challenge for the 2025 WorldSBK title didn’t catch Toprak Razgatlioglu by surprise, the three-time World Champion revealed. The title battle between Razgatlioglu and Bulega was intense, culminating in the final race, reminiscent of the 2014 season. Both riders dominated all but one of the 36 races held in 2025, with Bulega facing mechanical issues in Assen Race 2, allowing Andrea Locatelli to win. Unlike Razgatlioglu’s dominant 2024 season, 2025 saw Bulega emerge as a strong rival, mirroring the competitive spirit of the 2021 season against Jonathan Rea. The 2025 season showcased close battles between Razgatlioglu and Bulega at selected rounds, marking a shift from the previous year’s clear dominance. Despite each rider’s strengths at different circuits, they finished in the top two positions in the majority of races, highlighting their exceptional competitiveness. Razgatlioglu acknowledged Bulega’s remarkable progress and viewed him as a strong contender for the World Championship title.
