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World Superbikes: Jonathan Rea third as Toprak Razgatlioglu seals Donington treble

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Jonathan ReaImage source, Getty Images
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Jonathan Rea won six consecutive World Superbike titles between 2015 and 2020

Jonathan Rea lost ground on World Superbikes leader Alvaro Bautista in the final race at Donington, as Toprak Razgatlioglu completed a treble.

Northern Ireland rider Rea closed to within 13 points after the opening two races but had to settle for third in race three, with Bautista second.

Defending champion Razgatlioglu held off a strong challenge from Rea early in the race before easing to victory.

Razgatlioglu has narrowed the gap on Bautista to 43 points.

Yamaha rider Razgatlioglu enjoyed comfortable wins in race one and Sunday morning's Superpole race, but he was pushed hard by six-champion Rea in the finale.

Rea passed Razgatlioglu but quickly relinquished the lead to his Turkish rival in a thrilling duel at the English circuit.

Rea, who had secured two second-place finishes behind Razgatlioglu, slipped back in the final 10 laps and Bautista moved through to take second place.

Michael Ruben Rinaldi, Scott Redding and Lowes completed the top six.

"It was a good first half of the race - I thought I was right there," Rea, who is 17 points behind Bautista, told Eurosport.

"I really believed I overcooked the front brakes because coming into the loop after half distance I had no brake.

"As soon as I dropped the pace I had some breathing space. Alvaro came past at a really good pace and there was no going with him. It was more about consolidating my position.

"It was a strong weekend and I learnt a lot about the bike. We've halved the deficit in the championship and we roll on to Most with some optimism."

2022 World Superbike standings

1. Alvaro Bautista (Spa)

Ducati

246

2. Jonathan Rea (GB)

Kawasaki

229

3. Toprak Razgatlioglu (Tur)

Yamaha

203

4. Andrea Locatelli (Ita)

Yamaha

124

5. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (Ita)

Ducati

119

6. Iker Lecuona (Spa)

Honda

116

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