Nicolo Bulega has etched his name into the WorldSBK history books with a near-perfect 2026 season. The Italian rider clinched the title at Cremona Circuit, matching Max Biaggi's feat of winning his first WorldSBK crown at an Italian circuit and becoming only the second Italian champion in the class. With 26 wins from 30 races and nine pole positions out of ten, his dominance was absolute.
Aruba.it Racing Ducati team principal Stefano Cecconi admitted he was both surprised and relieved by Bulega's performance. "To be honest, almost every weekend, every race weekend has been a way to raise the bar," Cecconi told WorldSBK.com after Race 2 at Cremona. "Okay, first race at Phillip Island was one of his favourite tracks, so we were surprised, but not that much to see Nicolo so fast there. But then in all the races, all the tracks where he was struggling a little bit here and there in a few sectors or a few corners this year, he has been perfect."
Bulega's journey to the top began at the end of 2021 when he joined the team's World Supersport project with the all-new Panigale V2. Cecconi recalled, "We are very proud of him, first, and then of us, because we were in the need – for the Supersport being a new project, new team, new bike – of an experienced rider, but if possible at the same time young. Nicolo was perfect for the role. He had great experience in all the categories, but still he's young."
From the outset, Bulega showed rapid growth. He won the World Supersport title on his second attempt, then stepped straight up to WorldSBK. "He surprised us, winning his first race in Superbike immediately in Phillip Island, that is not an easy track for anybody," Cecconi added. "Then, second in his first year as a rookie, second in the following season after an epic battle with Toprak Razgatlioglu at the very end – we lost the championship at the very end of the season and Toprak, in my opinion, is one of the strongest riders that has been in Superbike."
The 2026 season marked the peak of Bulega's maturity. After winning 25 consecutive races until Iker Lecuona ended the streak at Donington Park, he still finished second. Cecconi stated, "We were at the same time surprised and relieved, somehow, to see how he was performing. Was unbelievable, honestly." Now, with the title in hand, Bulega's future is widely expected to be in MotoGP. "The natural next step will be MotoGP. I'm sure he will do good in MotoGP as well," Cecconi concluded.
Baca Juga
Max Biaggi mengaku kesepian tanpa pembalap Italia juara WorldSBK. Kini Nicolo Bulega akhiri penantian 14 tahun dan siap ke MotoGP 2027.
Nicolo Bulega juara WorldSBK 2026 setelah Race 2 Cremona. Lecuona menang, Montella ketiga. Simak klasemen lengkap dan analisisnya.
Nicolo Bulega juara WorldSBK 2026 setelah finis kedua di Cremona, meski Iker Lecuona menang hattrick. Bulega unggul 141 poin.
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