Nicolò Bulega (Ducati) withstood the pressure: First Misano victory at last

Nicolò Bulega is not a typical Italian. He is rather reserved and you rarely see the 26-year-old exuberantly celebrating. But the victory in the first Superbike race at Misano World Circuit ensured that the Ducati works rider was more relaxed and talkative than ever before.

Because there was a lot of pressure on the 26-year-old. Ducati had not won a home race since Álvaro Bautista in 2023 and in the past two years, the manufacturer from Borgo Panigale had been humiliated by Toprak Razgatlioglu on BMW at the circuit named after Marco Simoncelli. Moreover, Bulega himself was longing for a victory in his home country.

After taking pole position in record time, the world championship leader had enough confidence not to be rattled when he initially had to line up behind his Aruba.it team-mate Iker Lecuona after the start.

"My start was bad, at least Iker got away much better than me. But after four corners I realised that I should overtake him," the Ducati star told a small group of journalists. "So I got into position when accelerating out of turn 6, had a surplus, passed him and got into my rhythm. It wasn't easy because my pace was very high, but the feeling with the bike was great. Being able to push as hard as I wanted here in Misano in front of the Italian fans was a great feeling. The weekend is going very well so far. I've been preparing for the race from the first session onwards and have ridden race simulations in each of the three practice sessions to make sure the bike works over the distance. And when it works, I'm happy."

Nicolo Bulega with a special helmet design in Misano

Bulegas Glückshelm für Misanp

Foto: Ducati

Even after his 19th win of the season, his 23rd victory in a row over the course of the season, the sovereign world championship leader knows that every series comes to an end.

"Of course, I'm prepared for that. I don't think it's possible to win every single race. One day, someone will come along and beat me. It won't be the end of the world if I finish second or third. But I'm enjoying the moment, especially right now in Misano. I've never won in the last two years, only one win in the Supersport category before that. Now to win in the Superbike World Championship, with lots of friends celebrating with me.

Not to forget: All of Ducati's top management witnessed Bulega's brilliant ride. "That's right, they usually watch the races on screen. It's nice that we can celebrate with them."