Max Biaggi on Nicolò Bulega: “He’ll always remember this day”

It’s actually hard to believe: although the Superbike World Championship, established in 1988, is dominated by Italian teams and manufacturers, Italy had to wait until Max Biaggi in 2010 for its first world champion. The Roman rider won another title two years later, again with Aprilia. And Ducati, the most successful manufacturer in the production-based championship with 17 riders’ and 22 manufacturers’ world titles, had never before guided an Italian rider close to the world title until Nicolò Bulega put an end to that streak last weekend.

So now there are two Italian Superbike world champions. For Biaggi, it was high time. “Finally, an Italian again,” said the 55-year-old with relief. “After 14 years – my last title was in 2012, and now it’s 2026 – I’m delighted that he’s become world champion. I’ve really felt quite lonely. Now, with him around, I’m much happier. Congratulations to him, because he has dominated the season. It’s good that he’s moving to MotoGP after his magnificent year. I can’t wait to see him in that championship.”

Just as Biaggi did at Imola in 2010, Bulega also clinched his title at a home race. The four-time 250cc champion had also had his worst weekend to date, finishing 11th and 5th – the 26-year-old, by contrast, secured two second-place finishes in Cremona. “You couldn’t ask for more than winning in your home country in front of your own fans. There’s no better way to do it,” says Biaggi. “He’ll remember this day forever. I speak from experience, because I’ve been through it myself and still remember it well. It will stay with him forever. Nicolò, enjoy this moment and hopefully you’ll remember it forever!”

Incidentally: Biaggi secured ten wins in 26 races in 2010 – back then, alongside Aprilia, Ducati, Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha were all capable of winning. Bulega won 26 out of 30 races with Ducati this year. “When you win the title in this way and dominate, I believe it’s a combination of talent, skill and the bike from a technical perspective,” emphasised the Italian. “Ducati has dominated this championship, but even if other riders were on this bike, I’d still like to congratulate him wholeheartedly on his achievement. When you win so many races, there’s no doubt about it.”

Topic of the week

Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring: track – hit or miss?

The people of Madrid had set their sights high for their city’s first Formula 1 World Championship race since 1981. But have the high expectations for the new Madring mixed-circuit track really been met?

Read More

TV Program

Live

Estoril: 1. Freies Training

FIM Superbike World Championship

09.10.2026 - 11:15