Nicolo Bulega offered early feedback on his new Ducati Panigale V4 R following the end-of-season Jerez WorldSBK test.
Following the season finale, the two-time series runner-up spent two days testing at Jerez, where he led the timesheets in both sessions.
It marks the first significant test for Ducati’s 2026-spec Panigale V4 R, the latest generation model.
Although he led both sessions, Bulega acknowledged that he will have to adjust his riding style to make the most of the bike’s potential.
“A very good start with the new bike,” Bulega shared to Speedweek.
“I particularly like how it works on the brakes. I can brake harder, and the bike decelerates excellently.
“That’s definitely a strength of the new V4 R. Turning, on the other hand, is something we struggle with, but we were able to make progress on the second day of testing.
“Overall, we’ve improved significantly and collected a lot of data for this winter that we can use to make further progress. I have to adapt my riding style a bit.
When asked if the new bike feels more like a continuation of the previous model, he shared: “As with the previous model, it’s not ideal, but it’s not a huge change.
“In terms of geometry, they tried not to make any major changes, and the feel of the bike is similar.
“However, it does have to be ridden a little differently, probably also because of the different swingarm.”
Its newest bike now features a double-sided swingarm instead of a single-sided one, designed to improve rear-wheel grip and stability.
Bulega’s new teammate, factory Ducati rider Iker Lecuona, completed his first test with the Bologna-based manufacturer following permission from his former team, Honda.
Both riders finished 1-2 on Day 2, with Bulega recording the best time of 1:37.587, while Lecuona posted his fastest lap at 1:38.444.
READ MORE – Nicolo Bulega secures Jerez treble as Toprak Razgatlioglu clinches third WorldSBK title
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