Bulega Makes WorldSBK History with Second Straight Phillip Island Hat-Trick

Ducati star Nicolò Bulega secures 450th win for Borgo Panigale and surpasses Marco Melandri in all-time Italian rankings.

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Nicolò Bulega etched his name further into WorldSBK history with a flawless weekend at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, completing his second consecutive Australian hat-trick and delivering Ducati its landmark 450th victory in the championship.

The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati rider claimed his 23rd career WorldSBK win in Race 2, officially overtaking Marco Melandri in the standings of Italian riders with the most WorldSBK victories.

Perfect in the Rain

Bulega’s Sunday began with a stunning comeback in the Superpole Race. After a poor launch dropped him to fourth on the opening lap, the #11 carved his way back through the field to take victory.

Race 2 presented an even tougher challenge, with heavy rain soaking the circuit. Yet Bulega was untouchable, showcasing supreme control and confidence in treacherous conditions to seal a dominant win and complete another clean sweep in Australia.

“An exciting weekend,” said Bulega. “I am very happy, especially because the feeling with the bike has been fantastic since the tests at the beginning of the week.

“I would like to say a big thank you to my team, because they put me in a position to go fast, even in the rain. Racing on this circuit with these feelings is something extraordinary.”

With momentum clearly on his side, Bulega leaves Australia firmly established as the early benchmark in the 2026 title fight.

Lecuona Shows Grit on Sunday

Team-mate Iker Lecuona also endured a dramatic Sunday but emerged with valuable points and experience.

Starting 13th in the Superpole Race, Lecuona was forced to run wide on the opening lap to avoid contact, dropping to the back of the field. However, the Spaniard responded with determination, climbing through the order to finish ninth and secure a third-row start for Race 2.

Although his second race did not begin ideally, Lecuona once again fought his way forward, battling inside the top five before ultimately finishing eighth.

“To be honest, on the one hand, I’m a bit frustrated with how things went in Race 2,” Lecuona admitted. “From the first few laps, the feeling with the rear wasn’t what I wanted.

“On the other hand, I’m happy to have recovered positions and finished a weekend I consider positive, having gained a lot of experience. We are doing a great job with the team, step by step, and I can’t wait to be in Portimão.”

With Ducati celebrating a historic milestone and Bulega delivering back-to-back Australian hat-tricks, the 2026 WorldSBK season has begun in emphatic fashion — and the red machines from Borgo Panigale look stronger than ever.