Bulega takes his twenty seventh victory of the 2026 season

The 2026 WorkdSBK Champion Nicolo Bulega took pole position, setting an all-new lap record at the Portuguese circuit, with a lap time of 1:33.884! Joining Bulega on the front row of the grid was Aruba.it Ducati’s Iker Lecuona and Bimota by Kawasaki Racing’s Alex Lowes.

Lights out at Estoril as Lecuona got the holeshot into turn one. Bulega dropped down to third place, Alex Lowes was in second place. All riders were safely around the first few corners.

Alberto Surra was making moves at the front of the field, as Bulega took second place from Alex Lowes. Home rider Miguel Oliveira was in fifth place.

Bulega took the lead with 19 laps to go, Oliveira took fourth place from Alex Lowes, much to the delight of the Portuguese crowd.

Brit Sam Lowes looked to be struggling whilst running in tenth place, fellow Brit Jake Dixon was in 13th place, losing a few positions after starting the race from seventh place.

The leading Ducati duo were stretching out their lead at the front with over a two second lead from Surra. Yari Montella had a close moment with Lorenzo Baldassarri but managed to stay upright but was down in 12th place.

Alvaro Bautista was running in eighth place, the Spanish rider is still looking for a ride for the 2027 season. Lower down the order it was battles galore!

Stefano Manzi crashed out on the last lap whilst running just outside the top ten.

Bulega crossed the finish line to take his 27th victory, equaling Bautista’s record from 2023. Lecuona was second, with Surra taking the final podium spot, Oliveira was fourth, Alex was fifth.

Featured Image: KSC photography Services.