Iker Lecuona showcased an impressive performance by winning Race 1 at the Italian WorldSBK, yet he anticipates a stronger challenge from Nicolo Bulega in the upcoming Sunday races. Prior to this event at Cremona, Bulega had only been defeated once in the 2026 season, but in Race 1 he was decisively beaten by Lecuona, finishing over five seconds behind.
Although the time difference may seem difficult for Bulega to overcome in the two remaining races, Lecuona believes the Italian rider still remains a serious competitor. “Nicolo always manages to find ways to improve,” Lecuona said after the race. He noted that Bulega is likely focused both on the championship and enjoying his riding, and predicted that Race 2 could see some shifts in dynamics as Bulega aims to close out the title. “If he pushes harder, we’ll be ready to battle.”
Lecuona expressed satisfaction with his race, feeling confident in his pace and ability to manage the race calmly despite a less-than-ideal start. “My start was one of the worst this year, but I managed to lead by the first corner, which was crucial,” he explained. He gradually increased his pace, maintaining consistent lap times until mid-race when his front tire grip declined. Despite this, he maintained a comfortable lead, riding carefully to avoid mistakes, and ultimately increased his speed.
He credited his team for their excellent work and praised his own riding performance, saying he truly enjoyed piloting the bike. However, he did experience a moment of concern with a headshake between turns seven and eight halfway through the race. “I gave the bike too much throttle too quickly, and when changing direction with a wheelie, the front tire briefly lost contact with the ground, causing a big shake,” Lecuona recounted. Nevertheless, he remained composed and did not lose time, successfully overcoming the issue due to his skill and race rhythm.
Overall, Lecuona was pleased, noting that even with small mistakes, he was able to regain control and keep a consistent lead thanks to his margin in every sector.
Fan Take: This battle between Lecuona and Bulega highlights the thrilling unpredictability that keeps WorldSBK fans hooked, as every race can shift the championship momentum. Lecuona’s poised performance under pressure and Bulega’s potential for a comeback promise exhilarating racing action ahead, showcasing the sport’s blend of talent, strategy, and resilience.
Source: www.crash.net
