A new and improved Ducati Panigale V4 R was the last thing the rest of the WorldSBK grid wanted to see heading into 2026. The Bologna-built missile has been the most complete package in the championship for several seasons, and this year it has taken another clear step forward.
Nicolo Bulega enters the third season of his WorldSBK career with real momentum. The Italian is the clear favourite for the title, and if he delivers the dominance many expect, a MotoGP seat looks set to await in 2027. Bulega’s road to redemption has been a surprise to everyone. His talent was never in question but his Grand Prix career was marked by inconsistency. In WorldSBK, that frailty has disappeared. He looks sharper, tougher and fully at home.
