Nicolo Bulega expecting WorldSBK battle amid “completely new” Ducati adaptation

Nicolo Bulega says he is expecting a “big group” to battle for race wins at the Australian World Superbike round.

Bulega has won four races from six starts in World Superbike at Phillip Island, including all three races in 2025.

But the Italian thinks it will be different this year, having seen impressive pace from other riders during the test earlier this week – which Bulega himself topped by 0.6 seconds.

“For sure, there are a lot of riders [that have] a great potential, we see also during the test,” Nicolo Bulega told WorldSBK.com.

“I think there will be a big group.”

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Bulega, like all the Ducati riders, is coming into this weekend with little time on the updated Panigale V4 R, which he is still yet to full understand.

“It’s a completely new bike,” Bulega explained, “so we have to understand. There are a lot of things that I like a lot and some that we have to understand how to work also with that. 

“But I think it’s a very young bike so we have a lot of time to understand also not the best things.”

There is one area that is a clear step forward from the old bike, in Bulega’s opinion.

“For sure, the swingarm now helps you to stop the bike better, and also the exit the bike is less nervous, so you can open a bit better,” Bulega said.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

“In general, it’s a new bike, so I believe a lot in what Ducati did this winter and I hope we will be faster everywhere.”

Lecuona “excited to start”

For Bulega’s teammate, Iker Lecuona, the 2026 Australian Round marks a new start as he makes his first race appearance as a factory Ducati rider, having moved from Honda over the winter.

The Spanish rider has missed the Phillip Island race in each of the last two seasons through injury, but currently feels he’s progressing well in his adaptation to the Panigale.

“I’m very excited to start this year,” Lecuona told WorldSBK.com.

“As I’ve said many times, this is the best opportunity of my career. 

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

“The team and I did a good job in the test. The progression was there, and we’re happy. 

“I think we arrive at the weekend quite okay. The people were incredible, it’s like a big family, so it was very easy to have a good relationship with everyone in the team, not just my side, but Nicolo’s [Bulega] side. 

“The main target is to feel good on the bike. The last four years, I struggled a lot and had many injuries. 

“I arrive in a very different position. I arrive in the best team in this championship, the best factory with the best bike. 

“Now I can say I have the chance to win the championship or fight for it. I couldn’t say that before. 

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

“That changes a lot, to be calmer and to work in a different way than before. In the tests, I rode at 90 per cent of my potential, and 80 per cent from the bike. I need to learn, and I still have margin to push.”