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Thrills, overtakes, scuffles, and much more: the first European round of the Superbike offered us a weekend that certainly didn't bore us. Toprak wrote a new chapter in his story, and in the one with BMW, while Bautista finally reached that long-cherished victory.
But there are those who returned home with a hint of bitterness in their mouths, like Bulega, who let his second win slip away at the beset moment, and those who still can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, namely Rea with Yamaha. Luckily, in the SuperSport, Manzi is there to keep the Japanese constructor's flag flying high.
There was really something for everyone in this Catalan hodgepodge ...
THE GOOD - From what we've seen in the past, Barcelona risked being something of a nightmare for Toprak and BMW. But, instead, the Turkish rider was able to work his magic by making his dream come true. So, hats off to the prodigy wearing the #54, who was capable of giving the Munich-based constructor a long-awaited win that finally became a reality. BMW invested and spent like no other team in the past year, but it looks like their efforts have finally paid off. The road is paved, and now all that remains is to follow it.
THE UGLY - Eight points in six races: that's enough to describe the moment Johnny Rea is having with Yamaha. The start of the Cannibal's adventure in blue was exasperating, and the World Championship has already slipped away before it even begun. We need to turn things around as soon as possible because no one ever imagined such a start.
THE BAD - We really don't know what's going on with Michael Rinaldi. But, seeing him so far from the best, on a track where he was fighting for the podium last year, leaves many questions unanswered. And as if that weren't enough, he crashed into Bassani in Race 2 after not even one lap from the start.
THE CONFIRMATION - Aruba bet on Bulega, and he's proving to be a guarantee in every respect. After his great debut in Australia, Nicolò again demonstrated what he's made of, coming very close to a second Superbike victory. Unfortunately, he let experience get the better of him, but we're convinced that we'll soon see him on the top step again.
THE DISAPPOINTMENT - There was one BMW that w0ns and another that didn't even make it into the top ten, namely Scott Redding's. The British rider is disappearing, and the comparison with Toprak is merciless, to say the least.
THE ERROR - Andrea Iannone experienced his first fall of the season in Barcelona. With eight laps to go, the Ducati's front closed, and he inevitably ended up on the ground, loosing out on the podium. But he can still be satisfied about a solid weekend of growth.
THE SURPRISE - Toprak and BMW: who would've bet on two wins for the Turkish rider in Barcelona? No one!
THE OVERTAKE - Toprak's overtaking Bautista at the last corner demonstrated the #54's class and talent, which will remain etched in Superbike history.
THE ANECDOTE - China celebrated not once but twice, thanks to Kove who, after Friday's pole, reached his first podium in the SSP300 with Garcia Gonzalez.
THE I TOLD YOU SO - "After 10 laps, Toprak will be riding on the rims." That's what they were saying in the paddock after the the Turkish rider's pole on Saturday morning. Apparently, it turned out differently.
