Bulega Leads as 2025 WorldSBK Jerez Test Kicks Off

The first testing session of the 2025 WorldSBK season was held at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, Spain.

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The 2025 WorldSBK test at the Jerez-Angel Nieto Circuit began with nearly all teams and riders gathering to fine-tune their setups ahead of the new MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship season. Despite a challenging weather forecast and strong winds, the opening day provided valuable track time.

Toprak Razgatlioglu, one of the championship’s top contenders, was notably absent due to a lingering finger injury, sidelining him for the test.

Bulega Sets the Pace

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) stole the spotlight, completing 77 laps and clocking the fastest lap of the day with a time of 1’38.731 seconds on the Ducati Panigale V4R. Andrea Iannone (Pata Go Eleven Team) followed closely, securing second place with a time of 1’39.181 seconds, just 0.450 seconds behind Bulega.

Scott Redding (MGM BONOVO Racing) delivered a strong performance, finishing third with a time of 1’39.280 seconds. Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team), continuing his adaptation to the ZX-10RR, recorded an impressive 1’39.332 seconds to claim fourth.

Axel Bassani (Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) and Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) completed the top six with times of 1’39.463 seconds and 1’39.548 seconds, respectively.

Honda and Bautista Face Challenges

Honda returned to Öhlins suspension for the test, with Xavi Vierge leading their efforts and posting 1’39.916 seconds to take seventh place. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), the reigning champion, faced difficulties with the strong winds and ended eighth with a time of 1’40.135 seconds, though he completed the most laps of the day with 83. Jonathan Rea (Pata Yamaha) struggled to find the pace, finishing 13th.

Newcomers Ryan Vickers, Bahattin Sofuoglu, and Yari Montella used the session to familiarise themselves with their new machines, gaining valuable experience despite being outside the top times.

Day 2 Affected by Rain

Overnight rain continued into the morning, forcing teams to reconsider their plans for the second day. Both Ducati riders, Bulega and Bautista, opted not to take to the track due to the wet conditions.

Nicolo Bulega reflected on the opening day: “I’m happy with how things went. It was essential to regain the feeling we had during the November test. The wind made things tricky, but overall, the first day of 2025 was very positive.”

Alvaro Bautista added: “The positive news is that we could do at least one day in dry conditions. The wind made it difficult to get comfortable on the bike, but this is just the beginning, and we need to keep working.”

The teams will head to Portimao next week for a two-day test session, their final opportunity to refine setups before the season-opening round at Phillip Island in February.