Superbike Misano 2026: Bulega dominates at home with Ducati, perfect hat-trick and the World Championship ever closer

Nicolò Bulega also wins Race 2 and completes a historic weekend in front of the Italian fans

Misano had set the perfect stage and Nicolò Bulega did not disappoint. The Superbike World Championship leader completed a weekend to remember by winning Race 2 of the Emilia-Romagna Round as well, sealing an extraordinary hat-trick after the victories in Race 1 and the Superpole Race.

In front of a packed Misano World Circuit, the Aruba.it Racing Ducati rider once again confirmed himself as the outright benchmark of the 2026 season. Superiority built not only on pure speed, but above all on the ability to handle every situation with the composure and maturity of a champion.

The Romagna weekend was one of the year's most anticipated events for the Italian public, and Bulega's response was exactly what the fans had hoped for: three victories, three Ducati podiums and an ever more solid World Championship lead.

Race 2: Lecuona tries to resist, but Bulega ups the pace

The closing race of the weekend was probably the most hard-fought of those contested at Misano. Iker Lecuona managed to stay close to his team-mate in the early stages, trying to put pressure on the championship leader and once again showing a very high level of competitiveness.

The Spaniard tried to stay attached to the Ducati number 11, but when Bulega upped the pace the difference became clear. Lap after lap the Italian's advantage grew until he could manage the closing stages without any particular worries.

Behind them Yari Montella completed another outstanding weekend, taking third place on the podium and confirming the steady growth shown during the season.

Misano confirms Ducati's dominance

The Panigale V4 R remains the benchmark

If a confirmation was needed, Misano provided it in emphatic fashion. Ducati continues to be the bike to beat in WorldSBK 2026 and the work done by the Aruba.it Racing team now appears to be of the highest level.

Bulega and Lecuona monopolised the top positions throughout the weekend, while Montella helped further strengthen the Borgo Panigale manufacturer's presence at the sharp end of the standings.

The result is a technical dominance that recalls the manufacturer's most fortunate seasons and is putting all the competition in serious difficulty.

Bulega's leap forward

Speed was never in doubt. What stands out most in 2026 is the level of completeness reached by the rider from Emilia.

Bulega knows when to attack, when to manage and how to exploit every situation to his own advantage. At Misano he once again showed that he possesses all the qualities needed to become world champion.

His growth from a mental point of view is probably the factor that, more than any other, is making the difference this season.

The words of the protagonists

At the end of the race, Bulega underlined how important it was to take victory in front of the home crowd, thanking the team for the work done throughout the weekend and describing Misano as one of the season's most significant successes.

Iker Lecuona also highlighted the level shown by his team-mate, acknowledging the difficulty in trying to match the pace set by the championship leader and nevertheless underlining the satisfaction with another important result achieved with the Ducati team.

Superbike Misano 2026 ratings

Nicolò Bulega – 10

Three races, three victories. Perfect management, impressive speed and a technical and mental leadership that continues to make the difference.

Iker Lecuona – 9

The only rider capable of staying close to Bulega for much of the weekend. Three second places that certify his extraordinary level of competitiveness.

Yari Montella – 8,5

Well-deserved podium and solid performances throughout the weekend. He continues to be one of the most interesting surprises of the season.

Sam Lowes – 7,5

Consistent weekend and always in the positions that matter. Lacking the spark for the podium, but he confirms good form.

Axel Bassani – 7

He battles in the leading positions and tries to get involved in the fight for the podium right through the decisive stages of the weekend.

Ducati Aruba.it Racing – 10

Absolute domination. Competitive bike, impeccable strategy and perfect management of every session.

The Misano crowd – 10

Packed stands, spectacular atmosphere and a passion that turned the Emilia-Romagna Round into a celebration of motorcycling.

Bulega launches the World Championship breakaway

After the Misano Round the 2026 Superbike World Championship seems to have an ever more clearly defined master. Nicolò Bulega leaves the Romagna Riviera with a full haul, a winning streak that keeps extending and a superiority that his rivals have still not managed to dent.

The season is still long, but the message sent by the championship leader is clear. To win the world title, someone will first have to beat him. And after what was seen at Misano, the mission looks more complicated than ever.