Jerez, Spain, October 18, 2026: Nicolo Bulega signed off his record-breaking 2026 FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) campaign in dominant fashion, winning both Sunday races at the Spanish Round in Jerez. The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati rider finished the season with 32 race victories, 726 championship points and a podium finish in every race of the campaign.

Bulega’s Jerez double underlined his dominance throughout the season, as he finished 163 points clear of Ducati team-mate Iker Lecuona in the Riders’ Championship. Lecuona secured second place in Race 2, while Sam Lowes of ELF Marc VDS Racing Team completed the podium after a late-race move.

The final round of the 2026 season also saw Ducati secure the top six positions in Race 2, highlighting the Italian manufacturer’s strength in the championship.

Bulega Beats Lecuona to Win Jerez Race 2

Lecuona made a strong start to Race 2, leading through the opening six corners before Bulega attacked under braking to take the lead. Once ahead, the Italian gradually pulled away alongside his team-mate, with the two Aruba.it Racing – Ducati riders finishing more than 13 seconds clear of the rest of the field.

Lecuona attempted to remain within reach of Bulega but faced changing weather conditions in the closing stages. Rain began to fall, accompanied by stronger and colder winds, affecting tyre performance and making it difficult to mount a late challenge.

Despite the conditions, Bulega maintained his advantage to claim another victory and complete a memorable final weekend of the season.

Sam Lowes Claims Late Podium as Bautista Finishes Fourth

Alvaro Bautista of the Barni Spark Racing Team made an excellent start, moving into third position early in the race. Sam Lowes shadowed the two-time WorldSBK champion throughout the 20-lap contest before increasing the pressure in the closing stages.

As rain spots appeared on the circuit, Lowes continued pushing and made his decisive move with just half a lap remaining to secure third place.

Bautista eventually finished fourth, ahead of team-mate Yari Montella in fifth. Ducati riders occupied the first six positions, with Alex Lowes and Axel Bassani the leading non-Ducati finishers in seventh and eighth, respectively.

For Bautista, who entered the season finale without a confirmed ride for 2027, the fourth-place finish provided a positive conclusion to his campaign.

Nicolo Bulega Finishes 2026 WorldSBK Season with 726 Points

Bulega’s final championship tally of 726 points reflected a remarkable season of consistency and outright speed. His 32 victories and podium finish in every race established the 2026 campaign as a record-setting year for the Italian.

Lecuona completed the season as runner-up with Aruba.it Racing – Ducati, finishing 163 points behind his team-mate. Montella’s consistent performances earned him third place in the final Riders’ Championship standings, ahead of Sam Lowes and Alex Lowes.

Bulega also used the Jerez weekend to acknowledge his team following five years together, describing the season as an incredible final campaign with the squad.

“It’s another fantastic weekend. The last fantastic job for us together. Thanks to all my team because we have had five incredible years together and an incredible last year,” Bulega said.

“The worst result was second, so what can I say? The results speak for themselves,” he added, reflecting on a campaign in which he remained on the podium in every race.

Lecuona and Sam Lowes Reflect on Jerez Podiums

Lecuona credited changes to his riding approach and motorcycle setup for helping him maintain a strong pace in Race 2. However, he acknowledged that Bulega was faster as the race progressed, with changing weather conditions affecting rear-tyre performance.

Sam Lowes, meanwhile, was pleased to finish the season on the podium after managing his tyres and maintaining a strong pace despite a difficult start.

“I just kept pushing to the end,” Lowes said. “Maybe got a little lucky with the conditions this afternoon but I pushed hard to the end. I’m really happy to finish the season like that.”

With the Jerez double, Bulega brought the 2026 WorldSBK season to a spectacular close, reinforcing his position as the championship’s dominant rider and delivering another major success for Aruba.it Racing – Ducati.