The excitement at the Cremona Circuit "Angelo Bergamonti" reached a fever pitch as the third and final day of the Acerbis Italian round of the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship unfolded on May 4, 2025. Spectators from all corners of Italy, including many young fans, filled the stands to witness a thrilling day of racing.
The day kicked off with warm-up sessions for the WorldSBK, FIM Supersport World Championship, and FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship, setting the stage for the Superpole race that began at 11:00 AM. With adrenaline pumping, fans eagerly awaited the races to come.
Nicolò Bulega of Aruba.it Racing – Ducati showcased his dominance once again, winning the Superpole race after a fierce battle with Toprak Razgatlioglu of Rokit BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team. Bulega, who had already claimed victory in Gara 1 the previous day and was the fastest in the morning practice, fought hard to maintain his lead throughout the race. Razgatlioglu, the reigning WorldSBK champion, finished in second place, while Alvaro Bautista, also from Aruba.it Racing – Ducati, secured third.
Bulega's victory in the Superpole race marked another milestone in what has been an impressive season for the young rider. He had previously won Gara 1 on May 3, extending his lead in the championship standings over Razgatlioglu. Bulega’s record-setting pole position time of 1’27.866 during the qualifying rounds proved to be a precursor to his continued success on the track.
In Gara 1, Bulega completed the race in 34 minutes and 20.705 seconds, averaging an impressive speed of 151.4 km/h. Razgatlioglu trailed by 2.835 seconds, while Bautista finished 11.424 seconds behind. Bulega's performance not only showcased his skill but also highlighted the power of the Ducati machine, which has been a dominant force in the championship.
As the Superpole race concluded, it became evident that Bulega was on another level compared to his competitors. With a commanding lead, he finished 1.456 seconds ahead of Razgatlioglu, who struggled to keep pace. Bautista, finishing six seconds behind Bulega, also faced challenges but managed to secure a solid position on the podium.
"It’s been a fantastic weekend for us. The bike felt great, and I’m really happy with the results," Bulega exclaimed after his victory. His confidence is palpable, and he is clearly relishing the opportunity to compete at such a high level.
However, the competition remains fierce. Razgatlioglu, despite his struggles, is determined to close the gap. "We know we need to improve, especially in the long races. We will keep pushing to find a way to challenge Nicolò more effectively," he stated, emphasizing the ongoing battle for supremacy in the championship.
Looking ahead, the focus shifts to Gara 2, which is set to start at 2 PM on May 4. Teams are preparing for what promises to be another exciting race, with the weather forecast predicting potential thunderstorms that could impact the conditions on the track. The unpredictability of racing adds an extra layer of excitement as riders gear up for the challenge.
As the Superbike series moves forward, Bulega's current standings reflect his dominance. With 161 points, he leads the championship, followed by Razgatlioglu with 135 points, and Andrea Locatelli from Yamaha with 107 points. The constructor standings also show Ducati firmly in first place with 190 points, showcasing their superiority in the competition.
In the context of the season, Bulega's performance has been nothing short of remarkable. Winning three races out of four rounds, with the only hiccup being two technical issues at Assen, he has set the bar high. His victory in the Superpole race and the anticipation surrounding Gara 2 highlight his potential to not only dominate the Superbike series but also possibly make a transition to MotoGP in the future.
Danilo Petrucci, representing the Barni Racing Team, finished seventh in Gara 1 after starting from thirteenth on the grid, while Yari Montella finished 14th. Petrucci acknowledged the challenges faced during the race, stating, "It was a tough Saturday for us. We struggled with traffic and yellow flags during qualifying, which made it difficult to gain positions. However, we are determined to improve in the upcoming races."
As the teams prepare for the next round in Most, Czech Republic, two weeks from now, all eyes will be on Bulega as he aims to continue his winning streak. The upcoming races promise to be filled with drama, excitement, and fierce competition as riders vie for points and position in the championship standings.
With the Cremona Superbike weekend wrapping up, fans are left buzzing with anticipation for what lies ahead. Bulega's remarkable performances have captivated audiences, and the ongoing rivalry with Razgatlioglu only adds to the thrill of the season. As the championship unfolds, one thing is clear: the battle for the title is far from over, and the stakes are higher than ever.
