The final showdown: Title tension, farewells, and emotion in Andalucia
The 2025 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship reaches its grand finale at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto in Andalucia, where emotions are set to run as high as the Spanish sun. It’s the last stop of the season, and with Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) and Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)still locked in battle for the championship crown, every lap will count. Meanwhile, the paddock prepares to bid farewell to legends — including Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha) — as one era closes and another begins.
Toprak Razgatlioglu: “I’ve won the title twice, but never the deciding race”
For Toprak Razgatlioglu, Jerez could mark a historic third WorldSBK title — but also an emotional goodbye. The Turkish star, who has already sealed his place among the greats, knows this weekend could define his BMW journey.
“I’m a little bit happy but also sad,” said Toprak ahead of the finale. “I really love WorldSBK. This is my last round; maybe I’ll come back again, but I don’t know. It’s a sad weekend, but my focus is 100% on the title.”
Fresh from celebrating his birthday, Razgatlioglu admitted he’s itching to get back on the bike. “I’m bored and just waiting for Friday! Bulega will be strong here — he was fast last year — but we’ll fight. I’ve won the title twice, but I’ve never won the race that decided it. I’m always second, lifting the trophy. This time, I want both.”
He also reflected on his friendships and rivalries: “Mikey (van der Mark) is a great guy — I’ve learned a lot from him at both Yamaha and BMW. Now he’s leaving, I’m going to MotoGP, and Jonny’s retiring. It’s sad — many changes. Fighting with Jonathan Rea for the title was amazing. He taught me so much on and off track. I’ll miss that. Thank you to Mikey and Jonny — we’re friends, and this weekend will be emotional for all of us.”
Nicolo Bulega: “If I can stop Toprak from winning on Saturday, that’s the goal”
Chasing six points behind, Nicolo Bulega enters Jerez knowing that the odds are long but the dream is alive. The Ducati rider remains defiant as he prepares for the title decider.
“We know it’ll be difficult, but we never give up,” said Bulega. “Toprak is very strong, but I’ll do everything to win. My goal is to stop him winning the title on Saturday and push it to Sunday — that’s the only way to add pressure.”
Bulega laughed off speculation about receiving outside help: “That idea is incredible! I’ve always been the first Ducati this season, so who could help me if they’re behind me? This track is one of my favourites. I had my first Moto3 podium here, and last year I won twice. I’ll give everything this weekend.”
Jonathan Rea: “The ideal ending is to go out winning, but we’re far from that”
For Jonathan Rea, Jerez represents something far deeper — the final race of his full-time WorldSBK career. The six-time World Champion admitted that the emotions will come, but only after the lights go out for the last time.
“Right now, I’m just excited to start the weekend,” said Rea. “It’s nice to have been a bit more competitive lately, fighting near the top five. I’ll save the emotions for Sunday.”
Rea reflected on a career that began and now ends at Jerez: “It’s fitting to finish here. I haven’t always had my best results at this track, but it’s where I won my first title — so it’s special. Yamaha has supported me 100% through everything. Ideally, I’d love to win a race, but that’s a long shot. We’ll give everything in every lap. It’s been an epic season to watch, even from the outside.”
Alvaro Bautista: “Two titles, countless memories – it’s emotional”
For Alvaro Bautista, Jerez will be his last race in factory Ducati red — and fittingly, it’s on home soil.
“It’s always special to race in Spain, especially finishing the season here,” he said. “We’re still fighting for third in the Championship, so the goal is to stay focused and avoid mistakes.”
Bautista reflected fondly on his time with Ducati: “It’s emotional — we’ve had two Championships, many wins, and an incredible bond with the team. It’s been like a family. I’m sad to say goodbye, but proud of what we achieved. I remember winning the title here in 2023; it feels similar now — Toprak leads like I did then. He’ll play it smart, while Bulega has nothing to lose. It’ll be fascinating to watch.”
Andrea Locatelli: “It’ll be a special weekend for everyone”
For Andrea Locatelli, the fight for third in the standings is still alive — and Jerez brings positive memories.
“It’s been a good season overall,” he said. “There were tough weekends, but we always fought hard. Jerez has been good to me — I was on the podium last year — so I’m optimistic.”
Locatelli also took a moment to honour his teammate: “It’ll be emotional seeing Jonathan retire. I wish him all the best for the future. He’s a true champion.”
He added his take on the title fight: “Toprak and Bulega both had ups and downs, but Toprak has a small advantage. The gap gives him control, but it’s WorldSBK — anything can happen.”
Danilo Petrucci: “I was dreaming of a farewell celebration”
Missing out due to injury, Danilo Petrucci can only watch the Jerez finale from the sidelines after a gym accident derailed his final races with Barni Ducati.
“It’s really unlucky,” said Petrucci. “My hand was already full of screws and plates, and after Estoril, it got worse. I had surgery and can’t ride. I’m devastated — I was dreaming of celebrating third place and saying goodbye to Barni properly.”
Petrucci, who moves to BMW next year, still sees the silver lining: “Maybe this is fate — maybe I’ll race with Barni again one day. I’m close with both Toprak and Nicolo. They’ve both been outstanding this year. It’s hard to pick sides.”
Michael van der Mark: “I’m not sad – it feels special”
Finally, Michael van der Mark prepares for his own goodbye as he steps away from full-time racing after 11 seasons in WorldSBK.
“I’m ready for my final weekend,” he said. “It’s been a great ride — highs, lows, but always fun. I’m not sad; it feels special. I’ve had so many memories, especially winning my world title here in Jerez. Maybe I’ll come back for some wildcard races — we’ll see. Time really flies when you’re having fun.”
The Stage Is Set
With championships to decide and careers to celebrate, Jerez promises a weekend packed with history, emotion, and the raw intensity that defines WorldSBK. For Toprak and Bulega, the focus is the title. For legends like Rea, Bautista, and van der Mark, it’s one last dance on familiar tarmac.
One thing is certain — as the engines fire up under the Andalucian sun, the 2025 WorldSBK season will end exactly as it lived: fast, fierce, and unforgettable.
Official WorldSBK
