For Nicolo Bulega, one thing is clear: if you want to win, you have to spend money

Since 12 October 2025, every race in the Superbike World Championship has been won by Ducati. The technical regulations are to be amended for 2027 to ensure that other manufacturers also have a chance of success again. On the one hand, the aim is to recognise the investment and outstanding performance of manufacturers such as Ducati, BMW and Bimota, and to ensure this is reflected in the results. At the same time, Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki should at least have a chance to compete at the front on a good day, without having to invest many millions in the development of new models that are now of little market relevance to them.

The manufacturers have therefore agreed to modify the balance rule. A prescribed maximum rev limit will be added as a second measure to the current restriction on fuel flow rate per manufacturer. This has been done before, but the maximum rev limit alone was not enough as the sole balancing measure. The same applies to the permitted fuel flow rate. It is hoped by all parties involved that, when combined, these measures will be more effective.

The maximum rev limit can be adjusted up or down in increments of 500 rpm every two events per manufacturer. The starting point depends on the maximum rev limit of the homologated production model.

For 2028, the next step will be to adjust the assessment system for the allocation of concession and super-concession parts. These are modifications to the engine and chassis which are not permitted under the standard regulations, and which are only granted to manufacturers who are lagging far behind technically.

Bulega has a clear view on the rules

The issue of the balance rule is highly emotive and controversial. On the one hand, everyone wants sporting fairness and to see excellent engineering achievements rewarded; on the other hand, however, the spectacle mustn’t be neglected. For world champion Nicolo Bulega of the Ducati factory team, the case is clear: “I’ve always said what I think: if a manufacturer builds a great motorbike, invests a lot of money in a project and wins, why should they be stopped? They follow the rules, invest more and do a better job than the others. The other manufacturers should invest as much in the Superbike World Championship as Ducati has done in recent years if they want to win.”

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10.10.2026 - 10:35