Nicolò Bulega kicked off the first free practice session of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship in Portimao with a stunning performance, clocking a remarkable lap time of 1:40.977. The young Italian rider, representing Aruba.it Racing - Ducati, showcased his dominance on the track, finishing just ahead of his teammate Alvaro Bautista, who trailed by a mere 19 milliseconds. This session marks an exciting start for Bulega, who has quickly established himself as a formidable contender in the championship.
Completing the top three was Axel Bassani, riding for Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team. Bassani put in an impressive final lap, finishing just 0.069 seconds behind Bulega, demonstrating the competitive nature of this season. Michael van der Mark, from the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, secured fourth place, while Yari Montella, making waves in his second outing in the top class, finished fifth, earning the title of the best independent rider with a time of 1:41.099.
However, the session was not without its challenges. Reigning champion Toprak Razgatlioglu faced significant technical issues with his BMW M 1000 RR, managing to complete only a single lap before retreating to the pits and remaining there for the duration of the session. This unexpected setback raises questions about the reliability of Razgatlioglu's machine, especially after the struggles he faced earlier this season in Phillip Island.
Despite the difficulties for Razgatlioglu, the atmosphere in Portimao was electric as fans eagerly anticipated the action on the iconic Algarve circuit, known for its challenging layout and stunning scenery. The session was a crucial opportunity for teams to fine-tune their setups ahead of the competitive weekend.
As the session progressed, it became evident that the track conditions were less than ideal. Following recent rain, the asphalt needed time to gain grip, resulting in slower lap times overall. Nevertheless, Bulega’s performance stood out, as he consistently pushed the limits, setting the pace early on.
"I’m happy to be back on track here in Portimao. We have a lot of work to do because our competitors have shown to be very fast," Bulega said after the session. His confidence is buoyed by his recent success, but he is well aware of the challenges that lie ahead.
Alvaro Bautista echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the need to adapt quickly to the unique characteristics of the Portimao circuit. "This track is completely different; we had some good data from previous tests, but we need to keep pushing to find the right setup for the race," he commented.
In a surprising twist, Yari Montella’s impressive fifth-place finish suggests that the young rider is quickly finding his footing in the championship. His performance has certainly caught the eye, and it will be interesting to see how he fares in the upcoming sessions.
Andrea Iannone, riding for Team Pata GoEleven, finished sixth, despite losing valuable time due to a rear brake issue earlier in the session. His ability to recover and finish strong indicates his determination and skill, which could play a crucial role in his performance throughout the weekend.
Alex Lowes, also representing Bimota, finished seventh, while Danilo Petrucci claimed eighth. Both riders contributed to a solid showing for their team, with Bimota looking strong heading into the competition. Sam Lowes and Xavi Vierge rounded out the top ten, showcasing a diverse mix of talent and machinery in the series.
Looking ahead, the second free practice session is scheduled for later in the day, providing teams another chance to refine their strategies and setups. The competitive landscape is heating up, and with several riders showing promising pace, the stage is set for an exhilarating weekend of racing.
As the Superbike World Championship continues to unfold, all eyes will be on Bulega and his Ducati team, who are eager to maintain their momentum. Meanwhile, Razgatlioglu will be looking to bounce back from his technical woes, determined to reclaim his position as a title contender.
With the sun shining over Portimao, fans can expect thrilling action as the world’s best riders take to the track, each vying for supremacy in this prestigious championship. The upcoming sessions will undoubtedly provide more insights into the performance levels of each team and rider as they prepare for the races ahead.
