Nicolo Bulega sealed the 2026 WorldSBK title at Cremona on Sunday, finishing second in Race 2 – a result sufficient to secure the crown given his 146-point lead. The Italian's dominance since Phillip Island had made the title look inevitable, yet he admitted the pressure of the occasion weighed heavily at his home round.
"This weekend was quite emotional because there was the possibility to close the title and it was difficult to manage all the pressure," Bulega told WorldSBK.com. "But at the end we did it and I'm very happy." The tension peaked after a tough Friday: two crashes, the second of which he couldn't explain. "It was difficult," he said.
Heading into the decisive race, Bulega shifted his mindset. "Today, before the race, I was thinking 'Okay, don't crash, don't make stupid things, just bring the bike to the chequered flag'," he recalled. "So I had to think a lot today and at the end, after the chequered flag, I started to cry and it was a very nice moment."
The title felt like a full-circle moment for Bulega, who grew up in the WorldSBK paddock where his father ran a Supersport team. As a child, he wandered the paddock, idolising the likes of Troy Bayliss, Noriyuki Haga, and Troy Corser. "When I was young I was in this paddock because my dad had a team in World Supersport," he said. "I was just a child walking in this paddock, and I was watching my idols – Bayliss, Haga, Corser, a lot of incredible riders. Then, after 20 years I'm here and I'm the world champion. It's incredible."
For Ducati, Bulega's success underscores their dominance in WorldSBK this season. The 26-year-old's consistency was key, with few mistakes throughout the year. The Cremona result not only clinched the title but also extended the Borgo Panigale manufacturer's rich heritage in the championship.
In the standings, Bulega finished with an unassailable lead. His nearest rival, who ended the season third, could offer no real challenge. The win at Cremona also highlighted Bulega's consistent performances at European tracks, where he often proved superior.
The 2026 season will be remembered as the one where Bulega turned potential into reality. Once doubted, he is now a world champion. And more importantly, he did it in front of his family and fans in Italy – a beautiful full circle for a rider who grew up in this very paddock.
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