Turkish rider arrives in Istanbul after winning 2021 Superbike World Championship

ISTANBUL, TURKEY - NOVEMBER 23: Turkish rider Toprak Razgatlioglu arrived in Istanbul on Tuesday, Nov. 23, after he won the 2021 Superbike World Championship in Indonesia. Razgatlioglu made history as the first Turkish athlete to become the champion in the 33-year history of the Superbike World Championship. “It was a very tough season. After an eight-month season, we have become world champions. Being a world champion is the dream of all young athletes. We have achieved this dream. It is so proud to be welcomed in this way in Turkey,” Razgatlioglu said. He added, “It was the first time that a Turkish has become the world champion in this category. We hope to keep this success in the coming years as well. I will work for the better.” Speaking also at a press conference, Razgatlioglu stated “If we have a successful season in 2022, we can race in MotoGP 2023.” Turkish Rider Razgatlioglu won the 2021 Superbike World Championship in Indonesia on Sunday. The race at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit saw Jonathan Rea, the British racer of the Kawasaki team, claiming victory in Race 1, but Razgatlioglu’s second place was enough for him to be crowned the champion. Race 1 was delayed temporarily and shortened to 20 laps from 21 due to rain, however all riders kicked off on slick tires. Razgatlioglu, who started the race in the pole position, finished in second place, covering the distance in 1 hour and 34.288 seconds. He was followed by British racer Scott Redding who run for Aruba.it Racing - Ducati in 1:34.587. Rea, 34, came first with 1:34.413 seconds. The 25-year-old Razgatlioglu became the first Turkish athlete to claim the Superbike World Championship title. With a total of 551 points, Razgatlioglu is 25 points ahead of second-place Rea.(Footage by Mehmet Ozcan/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)