It’s no secret that the team is hungry for more, as a 2022 race win has so far eluded defending crowned champion Razgatlıoğlu – whose scorecard from the first two rounds includes two outright record-breaking pole positions and five straight podiums. With formidable foes in the WorldSBK field, nothing short of winning will satisfy the Turkish ace.
Teammate Locatelli celebrated his best finish in WorldSBK last time out in Assen, with a sublime second-place podium in Race 2. The 25-year-old Italian took a positive step forward to battle with the front group of riders in all three races and looks to challenge for the podium once again this weekend.
In Estoril’s re-introduction to the WorldSBK calendar in 2020, Yamaha celebrated an historic 1-2-3 podium in the Superpole Race led by Razgatlıoğlu – after a commanding pole position and start-to-finish Race 1 victory. While the following year’s triple podium results for Razgatlıoğlu were also impressive, the team is focused on returning to winning ways.
Tyre choice and a rider’s ability to manage grip levels over a full 21 laps will play a crucial role in race fortunes, as temperatures are forecast to reach around 27 degrees Celsius for Race 1 on Saturday. Cooler temperatures on Sunday could provide an opportunity to shake things up during the all-out 10-lap sprint Superpole Race and Race 2.
Pata Yamaha with Brixx WorldSBK will begin working towards the races on Friday morning with two 45-minute sessions starting with Free Practice 1 starting at 10:30 (UTC+1) and Free Practice 2 from 15:00.
