The world of Superbike racing just witnessed a thrilling start to the season, and it’s already sparking debates among fans. Nicolo Bulega didn’t just show up at Phillip Island—he dominated, claiming the top spot in FP1 with a performance that left rivals scrambling to catch up. But here’s where it gets controversial: is Bulega’s early lead a sign of things to come, or will the competition strike back in the later sessions? Let’s dive in.
The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship roared to life at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, where Bulega (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) set the pace in the 45-minute Free Practice 1 session. His time of 1’28.858s wasn’t just fast—it was a statement, putting him 0.524 seconds ahead of Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team). Axel Bassani (Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) rounded out the top three, but it was Bulega’s consistency and raw speed that stole the show. His long run at the start of the session, culminating in his best lap at the end, sent a clear message: he’s here to win.
What’s most impressive is how Bulega picked up right where he left off during the Official Test, as the only rider to break into the 1’28s. His ability to find pace with each lap during an 11-lap stint was nothing short of remarkable. But this is the part most people miss: while Bulega’s performance was stellar, the field is packed with talent ready to challenge him. Sam Lowes, for instance, wasn’t far behind, and Bassani’s third-place finish proves he’s a force to be reckoned with.
Further down the grid, Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) continued his strong form from testing, securing fourth place with a time of 1’29.561s. Alex Lowes (Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) followed closely in fifth, just 0.757 seconds off Bulega’s pace. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) marked his return to WorldSBK with a solid sixth-place finish, hinting at a potential podium contender.
Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) impressed on his new ZX-10RR, finishing seventh, narrowly edging out Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team). Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) and Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) completed the top ten, with Lecuona outpacing former teammate Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) by a mere 0.050 seconds.
Here’s the full top six from FP1:
1. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) 1’28.858s
2. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +0.524s
3. Axel Bassani (Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.689s
4. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.703s
5. Alex Lowes (Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.757s
6. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) +0.811s
As we head into Free Practice 2, the question remains: Can anyone stop Bulega’s momentum? Or will he continue to dominate? And here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is Bulega’s early success a testament to his skill, or is the Ducati simply the bike to beat this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to tune into Free Practice 2 at 16:00 Local Time (UTC+11) via the WorldSBK VideoPass to see how the drama unfolds.
