Toprak Razgatlioglu’s finger injury picked up this winter had force✨d him out of the Jerez WorldSBK test; returning to the track at Portimao this week he ಞcontinued to find himself in difficulty with it.

Of the two days in Portimao, Tuesday had been the better one for Razgatlioglu, but 𝓀his injured index finger had highlighted itself as a continuing problem.

“[On Tuesday] we did a good job,” he said. “We tried 🎐the new bike, 🐽and new parts. I finished the day but felt pain. Still the finger is not 100%.

“I have time before Phillip Island. I will go to the physio. I 𒁃am trying to move my finger more.

“But in general, I am on the bike and I’m riding like befor♋e.

“I use my middle finger on the brake. I always two fingers, I use the♛ middle finger a lot.

“The balance is not bad. I adapt. If I feel my finger gett🐼ing better, I will ride more𒉰 relaxed.

“When I come to a right corner I don’t push hard, ꦗbecause if I crash, I know my hand will touch the ground. I am scared for this.

“But we didn’t crash, we did a good job.

“I am 🔯pushing slowly, not immediately. I hope we will improve my fi🌠nger and, at Phillip Island, I am 100%. This is my target now.”

In comparison to Tuesd✃ay, Ra🍒zgatlioglu’s running was, as for almost everyone, heavily limited by intermittent rain in the morning that got heavier in the afternoon.

🌸“When I started, we had technical problems,” Razgatlioglu said. “I did two laps because I felt the traction control a lot.

“I came back to the garage, then 🥀the rain started. I was waiting for the weather.

“When we saw🐈 a dry circuit we started again but I d🐼id two laps, then the day finished.

“I am not riding in the wet conditions. My finger is not 100🐈% so if I crash in the wet, it is dangerous for me.

“We did four laps, it is nothing!

“Normally we have🃏 a plan but we didn’t rid🌜e with rhythm.”

Phillip Island “isn’t my style”

Setting his sights on Australia – the location for the final test of the winter as well as the opening round – Razgatlioglu was cautious: aiming to win, but aware of his limitations on a layou🅠t such as Phillip Island’s.

“I need to try the special rear grip,” 𓂃Razgatl🅠ioglu said.

“There, there is a problem with the rear tyre, t♏hey are destroyed. We need more tyre life a⛄nd a good set-up.

“The track has not ma꧋ny slow corners. It isn’t mౠy style.

“I am always trying to improve my bike an♍d cha🌠nge my style. I will try to do my best.

“My target is to win the first race. Because now I am using the #1 and my biggest target is to win at Phillip Isl🔯and. Then, if possible, at Cremona.

“It’s important to start the season strong.

“Now, I am not thinking a💟bout my finger. It’s getting better. I am riding theꦇ bike like before.

“I need to improve a bit, I am still scared a bit. But at Phillipᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚ Island my finger should be okay.”