Once again the Aruba.it Ducati Racing Team were just too strong, running away from the rest of the field

Nicolo Bulega was once again on pole position for the final installment of WorldSBK racing action at Portimao. Bulega’s team-mate Iker Lecuona lined-up in second place, Miguel Oliveira was starting race two from third place.

Lights out for the final time, Bulega was first into turn one, Alex Lowes got a sharp start getting into second place. Miguel held onto third place, just in front of Lecuona. The top four riders were already starting to make a break from the rest of the field.

Oliveira made a move on Alex Lowes for second place, much to the crowds delight! Lecuona passed Alex Lowes a lap later for a podium position.

Yari Montella was in fifth place just pushing to try and catch the leaders. Lecuona made a pass on Oliveira for second place.

Montella and Xavi Vierge both crashed out of the race in separate crashes. Alberto Surra also crashed out a lap later at turn 13.

With 14 laps to go Alex Lowes was pushing on in fourth place, desperate to catch Oliveira for a podium finish. Sam Lowes was in fifth place holding own, a great show from the Brit with not being 100% fit.

Tarran Mackenzie crashed out with 12 laps to go, the British rider was up and ok. Alvaro Bautista also crashed out at turn 5, poor weekend for the Barni Sparks Racing Team.

Tommy Bridewell was running in 14th place, just behind Honda’s test rider Jonathan Rea. Back at the front of the field the Aruba.it Ducati Team were running away from the rest of the field.

Andrea Locatelli, Remy Gardner and Garett Gerloff were in a three-way battle for ninth place.

Alex Lowes was all over the back wheel of Oliveira with five laps remaining to the race, the BMW rider just seemed to have a little more in the tank to keep Alex Lowes at bay.

Bulega crossed the finish line to take his tenth victory in a row! Lecuona was second, Oliveira won the battle for the final podium spot, Alex Lowes was fourth with his brother Sam Lowes finishing in fifth place. Gerloff crashed out at the final corner, the American was up and ok.

Bulega now leads the 2026 WorldSBK championship by 56 points from his team-mate Lecuona. Next up for the championship is the Cathedral of Speed Assen.

Featured Image: Ksc Photography Services.