From the very first race at Phillip Island, Nicolo Bulega’s claim to the 2026 WorldSBK championship seemed all but guaranteed. However, the Italian rider revealed that despite the apparent ease of clinching the title during his home weekend at Cremona, he still faced considerable pressure.
Coming into Cremona with a commanding 146-point advantage, Bulega knew that finishing at least second—the worst result of his season—would secure the championship on his home turf. He ended up finishing second, sealing the title as planned. Yet, behind this seemingly straightforward triumph, Bulega admitted he found it challenging to handle the immense pressure throughout the weekend.
“This weekend was very emotional due to the chance to win the title; managing all the pressure was tough,” Bulega shared with WorldSBK.com following Race 2 at Cremona. “But ultimately, we got it done, and I’m extremely happy.”
Reflecting on Friday’s difficulties, including two crashes—one of which was unexplainable—he said, “Before today’s race, my goal was simple: don’t crash, avoid mistakes, just bring the bike to the finish line.” After crossing the chequered flag, the overwhelming emotions brought him to tears, marking a truly memorable moment for him.
Bulega’s championship win is especially poignant given his roots in the paddock, where as a child he grew up surrounded by the sport while his father managed a team in the World Supersport class. “I was just a kid here, watching legends like Bayliss, Haga, and Corser,” he recalled. “Now, 20 years later, I’m the world champion—it’s unbelievable.”
Fan Take: Nicolo Bulega’s journey from paddock kid to WorldSBK champion is an inspiring full-circle story that resonates with racing fans everywhere. His composure under pressure and breakthrough victory could herald a new era of young talent revitalizing the sport and thrilling audiences for years to come.
Source: www.crash.net
