In a stunning turn of events ahead of the 2025 Czech Grand Prix, World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK) star Toprak Razgatlıoğlu has ignited a firestorm of controversy with a bold and provocative statement aimed at Ducati and the sport’s governing body, the FIM. The Turkish rider, currently leading the championship with ROKiT BMW Motorrad, expressed frustration over what he perceives as unfair advantages held by Ducati, accusing them of exploiting the rules. His comments, made during a press conference, have sent shockwaves through the paddock, leaving Ducati riders and team members feeling insulted and prompting heated discussions about fairness in the sport.
Razgatlıoğlu’s remarks came as the WorldSBK season reaches a critical juncture, with the Turkish sensation locked in an intense title battle against Ducati’s Nicolo Bulega. The championship has been marked by fierce competition, with Razgatlıoğlu’s recent dominance—highlighted by a historic treble at Donington Park—propelling him to the top of the standings. However, his latest statement suggests deep-seated concerns about the technical regulations and their enforcement, particularly regarding fuel flow restrictions introduced earlier in the season to balance performance between manufacturers.
The controversy stems from Razgatlıoğlu’s claim that Ducati has managed to maintain their performance edge despite the FIM’s attempts to level the playing field. “If the FIM doesn’t take any action against them, I think the scenario will be the same as before. They’re too good at cheating,” Razgatlıoğlu said, his words dripping with frustration. The accusation, while not directly naming individuals, was clearly aimed at Ducati’s technical team, who he believes have found ways to circumvent the restrictions. This has been a recurring theme for Razgatlıoğlu, who earlier in the season voiced concerns about BMW being disproportionately affected by fuel flow limits compared to Ducati, whose bikes he claims retain superior acceleration and grip.
Ducati’s camp was quick to respond, with riders and team officials expressing outrage at the insinuation. Nicolo Bulega, who trails Razgatlıoğlu by just four points in the championship, called the comments “unfair and disrespectful,” emphasizing that Ducati’s success is the result of hard work and innovation rather than deceit. “We’re racing within the rules, and it’s disappointing to hear this from a competitor like Toprak,” Bulega said. Alvaro Bautista, another Ducati rider and former champion, echoed these sentiments, suggesting that Razgatlıoğlu’s remarks were an attempt to deflect from his own team’s challenges. “If he’s struggling, he should focus on his bike, not point fingers at us,” Bautista stated.
The FIM, caught in the middle of this escalating drama, has remained tight-lipped, with officials stating only that they are “monitoring the situation” and ensuring all teams comply with regulations. The fuel flow restrictions, introduced to create parity among manufacturers, have been a point of contention throughout the 2025 season. Razgatlıoğlu’s earlier criticisms at Donington Park highlighted how BMW’s acceleration suffered while Ducati’s bikes appeared largely unaffected, a sentiment he reiterated before the Czech GP. His latest accusation, however, takes the debate to a new level, implying deliberate manipulation by Ducati—a claim that could have far-reaching implications for the sport’s integrity.
Razgatlıoğlu’s outspokenness is not new, but his decision to stop commenting on the rules earlier in the season had coincided with a remarkable turnaround in his performance. After a challenging start, marked by BMW’s struggles with the new regulations, he adapted and delivered a string of victories, including 13 consecutive wins and a hat-trick at Donington. His focus on riding rather than complaining seemed to pay dividends, but the Czech GP press conference suggests he can no longer hold back his frustrations. “I’m just saying what I see,” he added, doubling down on his stance. “I want a fair fight, but it doesn’t feel fair right now.”
The fallout from Razgatlıoğlu’s statement is likely to dominate headlines as the Czech GP approaches. Fans and analysts are divided, with some praising the Turkish rider for calling out what he perceives as an injustice, while others view his comments as unsportsmanlike. Ducati’s technical prowess has long been a hallmark of their success, and their experience in MotoGP, where similar regulations have been in place for years, may indeed give them an edge in adapting to WorldSBK’s rules. However, accusing them of “cheating” without concrete evidence risks escalating tensions in an already competitive championship.
As the paddock prepares for the Czech GP, all eyes will be on Razgatlıoğlu and Ducati. Will the Turkish star back up his words with another dominant performance, or will Ducati’s riders use the controversy as fuel to reclaim the championship lead? The FIM’s response—or lack thereof—will also be under scrutiny, as the sport grapples with questions of fairness and transparency. One thing is certain: Razgatlıoğlu’s bold statement has added an extra layer of intensity to an already thrilling WorldSBK season, ensuring that the battle on and off the track will be fiercely contested.
