Nicolo Bulega feels Ducati has brought a “strong package” ahead of the WorldSBK season opener at Phillip Island.
Bulega was the runner-up in the series during his debut year in 2024, finishing second to BMW’s Toprak Razgatlioglu.
Due to weather conditions, the Ducati rider had limited testing earlier in pre-season in Portimao and Jerez.
But as the paddock travelled down under ahead of the season opener, the 25-year-old displayed impressive form and finished top of the timesheets in all four Free Practice sessions.
“I improved the feeling from yesterday [Monday], which was already good, so I think we have a strong package to start the race weekend,” he said to WorldSBK.
“I’m happy with how the bike feels—everything is working well at the moment.
“Of course, we still have room for improvement, but I’ve already made a small step forward from yesterday, and if we can take another, that would be great.
“Testing is one thing—it’s important to have a good feeling, but at the end of the day, you don’t score points in testing.
“I’ll start Friday with a positive mindset, knowing we have a strong package, I feel good at this circuit, and the bike is working well here.
“Hopefully, we can keep this momentum going and improve a little more.
I’m really looking forward to the first race of the year—finally, we’re getting started! I have to admit, I don’t enjoy testing that much; I prefer race weekends.
“Testing can get a bit boring, so I’m really excited to start racing.”
Nicolo Bulega predicts ‘interesting’ WorldSBK season opener
Ahead of the season opener, the Italian predicts an ‘interesting’ weekend, with multiple manufacturers likely competing for victories.
While Bulega remained grounded, he picked out five riders who all had a chance of winning races, with two of those riders representing BMW and Yamaha.
“I don’t know if I’m the favourite, I’m just thinking about where I can improve.
“Everyone will improve so I know I need to keep taking steps forward and improving with my team, keeping the good confidence with the bike, and always staying in the first position.
“Lots of riders were fast during the test like Toprak Razgatlioglu, Andrea Iannone, Danilo Petrucci, Andrea Locatelli, Alvaro Bautista, lots of fast guys very close, I think it will be an interesting weekend.”
