Despite preshow excitement and intense competition, Nicolò Bulega made quite the statement at the 2025 Superbike World Championship’s opening round at Phillip Island. The rider for Aruba.it Racing – Ducati showcased his skills with a stunning performance, clinching victory with nearly five seconds to spare over reigning world champion Toprak Razgatlioglu.
The race marked the beginning of what many hope will be a remarkable season for Bulega, who not only claimed victory but also captured pole position and the fastest lap. After dominating the pre-race practices, it was clear he meant business. His lap time of 1’28.903, achieved during the final practice session, saw him finish two-tenths of a second faster than Razgatlioglu, solidifying his pace as the one to beat.
"What a start to the Championship! I’m happy as my feeling was good from the first test session on Monday. Every time I get on the bike, I know what I can do and what I need to do. I enjoy riding my bike and it’s such a wonderful feeling lap after lap. I’m really pleased with this start and proud of what we are doing," Bulega remarked after his win.
From the beginning of the race, Bulega got off to a flying start, executing the holeshot perfectly and taking the lead as the riders reached the first corner. Following the mandatory pit stop on the ninth lap, he maintained control of the race, fending off attempts from rivals and finishing 4.811 seconds clear at the flag. Bulega controlled the pace and showcased both speed and strategic management—elements he believes will be key throughout his 2025 campaign.
Razgatlioglu, racing for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, battled hard throughout the race but couldn’t match Bulega’s rhythm. After engaging in fierce competition with Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven) and Scott Redding (MGM BONOVO Racing), he managed to secure second place. Razgatlioglu’s new BMW M 1000 RR showed promise, yet it was evident Bulega had established himself as the one to watch this season.
Completing the podium was Alvaro Bautista, also riding for Aruba.it Racing – Ducati. Bautista's performance was noteworthy, showcasing resilience as he managed to fend off challenges from other contenders, finishing third after some gripping moments during the race. The overall performance of riders from Aruba.it Racing - Ducati clearly demonstrated their strength and strategy at the season's kick-off.
Danilo Petrucci of the Barni Spark Racing Team rounded out the top four, proving himself the fastest of the independent riders. His battles, particularly with Redding, highlighted the competitive spirit present throughout the field. Despite experiencing some pressure from his peers, Petrucci managed to maintain focus and finish strong, setting the tone for the next races.
Interestingly, Redding displayed signs of returning to form, finishing fifth and demonstrating his competitiveness after missed opportunities last season. While there may be room for improvement, his performance was encouraging as he strikes back after hardships.
Andrea Iannone, initially on fire, faced challenges on the second lap due to technical issues but fought hard to finish sixth. Iannone’s determination is commendable, and he showcased potential to rise through the ranks as the season progresses.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for every rider. Several faced rough patches, including Garrett Gerloff, who had to retire after encountering technical issues, and Michael van der Mark, who lost control of his bike leading to his own early exit from the race.
Further back, debutant Ryan Vickers performed admirably by finishing 13th, proving himself among the seasoned racers. While Yari Montella suffered unfortunate misfortune due to a crash, the experience gained will certainly benefit his future endeavors.
The Phillip Island race, filled with fervent action and dramatic moments, seems to lay the groundwork for an exciting WorldSBK season. Bulega, with his stellar start and confident demeanor, is clearly setting the stage for what could be a landmark year. With his eyes set on sustaining momentum, many will be eager to see if he can convert this initial success across future races.
Looking ahead, many are curious if this astounding performance is merely the first of many or if Bulega can hold off the fierce competition from the likes of Razgatlioglu and Bautista. Only time will tell, but optimism is certainly flowing among his fans and team.