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Bulega Dominates First WorldSBK Practice Session

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 0:12 GMT by Crash
      Locale: New South Wales, AUSTRALIA

Phillip Island, Australia - February 20th, 2026 - The 2026 WorldSBK season roared to life today at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, and it's Nicolo Bulega who has immediately staked his claim as a title contender. The Ducati rider topped the timesheets in Free Practice 1, setting a blistering lap of 1:32.688 and narrowly defeating reigning champion Toprak Razganoglu. Jonathan Rea, ever the stalwart of the series, rounded out the top three, signaling that the battle for the championship crown will once again be a fiercely competitive affair.

Bulega's performance is particularly noteworthy as it comes in his first official session as an Aruba.it Racing - Ducati rider, stepping into the shoes previously held by Alvaro Bautista. The pressure on the young Italian is immense, tasked with continuing Ducati's winning momentum in the premier class. To begin the season with a FP1 topping time is a bold statement and establishes him as an instant threat to Razganoglu's dominance.

Razganoglu, riding for Pata Yamaha with Brixx, will undoubtedly be looking to respond. While only 0.133 seconds separated him from Bulega, that margin in WorldSBK is significant. The Turkish rider has proven his speed and consistency over the past two seasons, claiming the championship in 2024 and finishing strongly in 2025. He'll be keen to demonstrate that his championship-winning form hasn't diminished over the off-season.

Jonathan Rea's performance on the Kawasaki Racing Team machine is also a key indicator. After a challenging 2025 season with Honda, Rea has switched allegiances and will be eager to prove he still has the pace to compete at the front. Third place in FP1 suggests the Kawasaki is a competitive package, and Rea's experience will be invaluable as the team develops the bike further throughout the season. His move has generated significant buzz within the paddock, and fans are eager to see if he can recapture his championship-winning form.

The session wasn't entirely smooth sailing, however. Several riders experienced minor crashes or close calls, highlighting the demanding nature of the Phillip Island circuit. The fast-flowing layout and challenging conditions test even the most seasoned riders, and maintaining concentration is crucial. Track officials are currently investigating an incident involving Alvaro Bautista, but thankfully, he was declared fit to continue, minimizing disruption to his weekend. The details of that incident remain under wraps, but any issue with a rider of Bautista's caliber is worth noting.

Beyond the top three, Michael van der Mark (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) and Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team) secured positions within the top five, demonstrating the depth of talent in the 2026 WorldSBK field. BMW will be hoping to make significant strides this year after a somewhat disappointing 2025. Van der Mark is a proven race winner and a key asset for the German manufacturer. Lowes, alongside Rea at Kawasaki, represents a formidable pairing, and the team is hoping to mount a serious challenge for the title.

The 2026 season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. The combination of established stars like Rea and Razganoglu, rising talents like Bulega, and competitive machinery from multiple manufacturers sets the stage for thrilling races and unpredictable results. Phillip Island, with its iconic setting and challenging layout, is the perfect venue to kick off the season.

Looking ahead, FP2 and qualifying will be crucial for establishing the grid for Sunday's races. Teams will be analyzing data from FP1 to fine-tune their setups and maximize performance. The weather forecast predicts changing conditions, potentially adding another layer of complexity to the weekend. Fans can expect a day of intense competition and strategic maneuvering as riders and teams battle for pole position.

The question now is, can Bulega maintain this early momentum, or will Razganoglu and Rea respond with the speed and experience that have made them champions? The next few sessions will undoubtedly provide more clues as the 2026 WorldSBK season unfolds.