Ducati Corse riders Nicolo Bulega and Iker Lecuona have only one ambition in mind for the upcoming 2026 WorldSBK season.
The Italian outfit heads into the new season aiming to secure its first Riders’ Championship since Alvaro Bautista in 2023, while also targeting a fifth consecutive Teams’ and Manufacturers’ title.
For 2026, the bike itself evolves, as the new Ducati Panigale V4 R introduces updated characteristics for the current generation.
Bulega enters 2026 after recording back-to-back runner-up finishes and therefore heads into the new season as the favourite by default following Toprak Razgatlioglu’s move to MotoGP.
Alongside his 2026 WorldSBK campaign, Bulega will assume a new test role with Ducati’s 2027 MotoGP bike, contributing his extensive experience of Pirelli tyres under the new testing regulations.
“I’m really happy to start the season: we’re finally back,” shared Bulega in Ducati’s official press release.
“The winter has been very long. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t help us during testing, so I can’t wait to be in Australia and quickly find the right feeling with the team.
“But I’m convinced that it won’t take long. I’m very motivated and confident that it will be a great season. Last year, we fought for the title until the last race.
“We have to try to put everything together to try to win the championship.”
Ducati parted ways with its most successful WorldSBK race winner, Bautista, who moved to Barni Spark Racing, with Lecuona joining from Honda after four years to replace the Spaniard.
Lecuona tested the Ducati at Jerez and Portimao to get up to speed on the new bike before both riders headed to Phillip Island ahead of the season opener a week later.
“I am very happy to be part of this team: the best team with the best bike,” added Lecuona.
“It is undoubtedly the biggest opportunity in my career so far, and for this I want to thank my family, my wife, my friends, my manager and, of course, Aruba Racing and Ducati for believing in me.
“Let’s see what we can do during the season, how we can improve day after day.
“The goal is clear: to put ourselves in a position to fight for the title and try to win it.”
READ MORE – Iker Lecuona heaps praise on new Ducati after WorldSBK Jerez test
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