Nicolò Bulega marked the opening of the 2025 Superbike season with an outstanding performance at Phillip Island, becoming the first rider to accomplish a triple victory, or "tripletta," at this iconic venue. After securing wins in the Superpole Race and both races, the Italian showcased his talent and cemented his status as one of the leading figures in the championship, propelling Ducati to the forefront with remarkable dominance.
On February 23, 2025, the championship kicked off under bright Australian skies. Bulega, riding for the Aruba.it Racing - Ducati team, made clear his intentions right from the start, topping every practice session and qualifying on pole position. This exceptional start set the stage for what would be an unforgettable weekend for the young rider.
The Superpole Race saw Bulega displaying calculated aggression, leading from the first corner and maintaining his advantage throughout the ten-lap sprint. He closed the race with over two seconds to spare, echoing the dominance he had shown earlier. His closest competitor, Andrea Iannone from Team Pata Go Eleven, finished second, showcasing his return to form after difficulties during the previous season.
Race 1 brought more of the same as Bulega again took the lead, expertly negotiating the twists and turns of the Phillip Island circuit. Despite facing brief challenges, he managed to distance himself from Iannone and Danilo Petrucci, who completed the podium. All eyes were also on Alvaro Bautista, who had suffered issues early on but fought back to finish strong, showcasing the resilience of the Ducati team across the board.
But it wasn't just about Bulega. Bautista's performance was commendable as he overcame starting from the fourth row to secure second place overall, underneath Bulega's shadow. The camaraderie between these two men, both teammates and rivals, reflects the competitive spirit circulating within the Ducati ranks. Meanwhile, the mood was dramatically different for Toprak Razgatlioglu, the reigning champion, who faced tumultuous challenges throughout the races. Following mistakes at the start of the Superpole Race, he finished twelfth and was forced to retire from Race 2 due to mechanical issues, leaving his team frustrated and fueled by his growing disappointment.
The second race capped off the weekend with Bulega asserting once again his overwhelming pace, finishing 2.6 seconds clear of Bautista and Iannone, who completed the podium mix. The race itself saw pivotal moments, particularly with Razgatlioglu's mechanical failure after having shown promise before the mandatory pit stops. His decision to retire was visibly charged with emotion—a frustration echoed across the paddock as spectators witnessed him strike the cowling of his BMW out of spite.
The results of the races painted a clear picture of the current Superbike hierarchy with Bulega leading the championship standings with 62 points, leaving Bautista at 36 points and Iannone closely following. The fact highlights the enormous gap created by Bulega's brilliant start to the season, pushing the narrative of Ducati's resurgence and dominance to the forefront.
This event has set the tone for potential narratives throughout the season. With expectations high and pressure mounting, Ducati's ability to secure such strong results will undoubtedly weigh on the minds of its competitors as they head to Portimão for the next round, scheduled for late March, where the stakes will climb higher.
Reflections after the weekend suggest not just victory for Bulega but also professional growth for Ducati, shaping them as favorites and leading contenders for this year’s championship. Bulega’s emotions ran high as he celebrated with his team, acknowledging the challenges faced, but it is clear the star of the weekend was he—Nicolò Bulega, the dominant force at Phillip Island.