Bulega takes the first WorldSBK win of 2026, as it’s a Ducati top three finish

The wait is finally over, it’s round one of the 2026 WorldSBK championship at the scenic circuit of Phillip Island.

Nicolo Bulega took the first Pole position of 2026, joining Bulega on the front row of the grid was Yari Montella and Britain’s Sam Lowes rounding out the front row of the grid.

Lights out for the first time in 2026, Bulega lead the WorldSBK field into turn one, Sam lost a place after two corners to his brother Alex.

Nicolo was already stretching his lead at the front of the field, Alvaro Bautista crashed on lap two, the Spaniard was up and ok. Alberto Surra was having a strong ride running in seventh place.

Lorenzo Baldassarri was in fourth place in his return to the WorldSBK class. Sam looked to be having issues as he was dropping down the order running in sixth place.

Tarran Mackenzie was just outside the top ten in 13th place, fellow Brit Ryan Vickers was in 16th place. Baldassarri passed Alex Lowes for the third place spot, team-mates Lowes and Axel Bassani were running in fourth and fifth place.

Miguel Oliveira was making good progress, he started from the back of the grid and was now challenging his team-mate Danilo Petrucci for 12th place. With 11 laps to go Sam regrouped and passed Alex for fifth place, with Bassani in his sights.

Sam and Bassani looked to be catching Baldassarri with seven laps to go, Bulega had a four second lead at the front, his new team-mate Iker Lecuona was in sixth place. Xavi Vierge crashed out at turn three, the Yamaha rider was up and ok.

Aruba.it Racing Ducati’s Nicolo Bulega crossed the line to take his first victory of 2026, Montella was second, Baldassarri was third, Bassani was fourth with Sam Lowes finishing in fifth place.

Featured Image: WorldSBK.com