Nicolo Bulega insists that the idea he has “no rivals” in WorldSBK is untrue despite taking an eleventh career treble at the French Round.
Bulega dominated the weekend, taking first position in FP1 and maintaining his advantage throughout the weekend on course to his eighth hat trick in the series.
The Ducati rider did face some challenges from teammate Iker Lecuona, but was comfortably able to shake off the Spaniard in all three races.
Bulega admitted that Lecuona raising his level inspires him to do more to remain on top, but was insistent that the idea he has no rivals in WorldsBK is “not true” given his close fight with his teammate in the Superpole Race on Sunday.
“Every time Iker steps it up, I always try to do the same,” Bulega told media including Motorsport Week.
“It’s not true that I have no rivals. When he started catching up to me and we began battling, I had fun. It was great. I’m happy because when I was behind him, I realised I had something extra. I’d talked about it this morning, and then I managed to set my own pace. Iker was very strong, he did 1:34.7 this morning on the SCX [tyre], which is a really good time.”
When asked why he thinks he has such an advantage over other riders, Bulega admitted he was uncertain but suggested it was his ability to switch gears that put him in a class of his own.
“I don’t know. I think Iker is very strong. But every time he manages to do a little more, I want to do even better. I think that’s what we’ve been doing since the start of the year.
“Montella’s bike and those of the other Ducati riders are very similar – practically identical to ours. I think Iker and I are a bit stronger than the others, but I can’t explain exactly why. It’s been that way since the start of the season.”
Bulega’s hat trick of victories in Magny-Cours means he now has the chance to take the title in his home round at Cremona.
The Italian rider has a 146-point advantage over teammate Lecuona, but admits his focus remains solely on winning races rather than the championship that will surely come with it.
“We have a big advantage now. Cremona could be very nice if I can win the title there. As I said before, the championship is nice, but the important thing is to win races. It’s important to continue to win races.”
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