Nicolò Bulega has brought his World Superbike career to a remarkable conclusion. In the final race of the 2026 season at the Circuito de Jerez, the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati rider claimed another commanding victory, completing an unbeaten weekend in Spain.
Having already won Race 1 and the Superpole Race, Bulega added victory in Race 2 to reach 52 career wins, equalling Troy Bayliss for fifth place on the all-time WorldSBK winners’ list.
Iker Lecuona completed a Ducati one-two finish, while Sam Lowes secured third place following a thrilling battle with Alvaro Bautista.
Bulega Takes Control and Sets the Pace
Lecuona made the strongest start, taking the lead into the opening corner. However, his advantage was short-lived, as Bulega responded at Turn 6 to reclaim first position.
From that moment, the World Champion dictated the pace, gradually extending his advantage over his teammate and putting himself firmly in control of the race.
Behind the leading pair, Bautista made an impressive getaway from sixth on the grid. The Barni Spark Racing Team rider quickly climbed into third position but soon found himself under sustained pressure from Sam Lowes.
Sam Lowes Snatches the Podium on the Final Lap
The battle for third remained unresolved until the closing stages, with rain adding another challenge during the final five laps.
As track conditions became increasingly unpredictable, Lowes began closing the gap to Bautista, setting up a decisive confrontation in the final moments.
The British rider made his move at Turn 5 on the last lap, overtaking the Spaniard to claim third position.
Bautista immediately attempted to respond but was unable to regain the place, eventually finishing fourth.
Yari Montella crossed the line in fifth, followed by Lorenzo Baldassarri in sixth.
A Champion’s Farewell for Bulega
Victory at Jerez provided the perfect ending to Bulega’s WorldSBK career. The Italian leaves the championship as World Champion, having dominated the final round of the season.
His performance across the Spanish weekend was exceptional: pole position, three race victories and another historic milestone, drawing level with Ducati legend Troy Bayliss on 52 career wins.
It was a fitting conclusion to Bulega’s time in World Superbike, underlining his status as one of the championship’s outstanding riders before he embarks on the next chapter of his racing career.
WorldSBK Jerez 2026 – Race 2 Results
| Pos. | Rider | Gap |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nicolò Bulega | Winner |
| 2 | Iker Lecuona | +4.696 |
| 3 | Sam Lowes | +13.349 |
| 4 | Alvaro Bautista | +14.928 |
| 5 | Yari Montella | +17.192 |
| 6 | Lorenzo Baldassarri | +18.120 |