The final tests before the start of the 2024 World Superbike season concluded at the Phillip Island Circuit. But it was an intense day for the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati riders of Nicolò Bulega and Alvaro Bautista.

The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team riders took advantage of the morning session to get familiar with the new asphalt while in the afternoon they focused on set-up and different tyre solutions ahead of the first race weekend to get underway on Friday morning with the first free practice.

Nicolò Bulega confirmed the excellent sensations he felt in both the Jerez and Portimao tests by finishing second in the combined standings. Reigning World Champion Alvaro Bautista worked on the final details to find the best set-up in light of the new weight balance regulations.

After strong showings at tests in Jerez and Portimao Bulega will have his rivals worried ahead of the start of the season: “I am very satisfied and I think this is my best day of testing in the whole preseason. Both at Jerez and Portimao I was very fast, especially on the time attack, while today the feeling was great also on the race pace. We have worked well so far and I can’t wait to get back on track on Friday.”

Bautista has struggled with his physical condition throughout pre-season but had a positive day at Phillip Island: “Since the start of pre-season, this is the first day I’ve been able to focus on working to improve my feeling with the bike without having to worry about my physical condition. This makes me very happy even though there is still a lot to do to be in the best condition. Anyway, I am looking forward to getting on track from Friday to work on the details that need to be fixed to be competitive during the weekend”.