Bulega Dominates WorldSBK FP1 at Phillip Island 

Aruba.it Ducati star leads with Blistering 1’28.858s, followed by Sam Lowes and Axel Bassani as 2026 Australian Round kicks off.  

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The 2026 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship roared into life at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit with Free Practice 1 for the Australian Round and it was Nicolo Bulega who laid down an early marker.

Representing Aruba.it Racing – Ducati, Bulega topped the 45-minute session by a commanding 0.524s, continuing the strong form he displayed during the Official Test earlier in the week.

Bulega Fires Early Warning Shot

Nicknamed ‘Bulegas’, the Italian was the only rider to dip into the 1’28 bracket during FP1. He completed an impressive long opening stint of 11 representative laps, steadily improving before setting a session-best 1’28.858s on the penultimate lap of the run.

The time proved untouchable, finishing over half a second clear of Sam Lowes from ELF Marc VDS Racing Team in second place.

Close behind was Axel Bassani of bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team, who once again demonstrated strong pace after an encouraging pre-season test.

Montella and Lowes Brothers in the Mix

Yari Montella continued his promising form for Barni Spark Racing Team, posting a 1’29.561s to secure fourth position.

Alex Lowes, also riding for Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team, completed the top five, just half-a-tenth behind Montella and 0.757s adrift of Bulega’s benchmark.

Returning to the WorldSBK grid, Lorenzo Baldassarri impressed in sixth for Team GoEleven, suggesting he could be a contender as the weekend progresses.

Tight Battle Inside the Top Ten

Garrett Gerloff placed seventh aboard the Kawasaki ZX-10RR, narrowly edging out Alvaro Bautista by just 0.018s.

Miguel Oliveira secured ninth for ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, 0.888s off the pace, while Iker Lecuona completed the top ten, narrowly ahead of former team-mate Xavi Vierge, who was the leading Yamaha rider for Pata Maxus Yamaha.

Top Six – WorldSBK FP1 (Phillip Island)

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

With Bulega already half-a-second clear of the field, the Australian Round promises an intense battle as rivals look to close the gap ahead of qualifying and Race 1.