The 2026 WorldSBK season kicked off at Phillip Island, with Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) dominating Race 1 by leading all 22 laps and finishing nearly five seconds ahead.
Bulega converted his pole position into a strong holeshot, controlling the race from start to finish.
Ducati riders secured the entire podium, with Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) in second and Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) in third.
Baldassarri, starting from the third row, fought off pressure from Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) to achieve his first WorldSBK podium.
Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), starting from the fifth row, finished sixth after overtaking Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) mid-race.
Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), who began 21st after a crash in Superpole, climbed to eighth, showcasing skill and strategy.
Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) crashed late in the race while running in the top ten, highlighting the challenging conditions of the circuit.
Race 1 Podium:
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +4.776s
Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) +6.147s
Bulega’s pole was Ducati’s 200th and his tenth career pole, while Montella celebrated his first front-row start. Sam Lowes joined the Ducati front row in third.
In WorldSSP, Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) won Race 1 after retaking the lead early, finishing over five seconds ahead.
Oli Bayliss (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) claimed his first career podium despite running wide mid-race, while Philipp Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) finished second.
WorldSSP Race 1 Podium:
Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing Verdnatura)
Philipp Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) +5.521s
Oli Bayliss (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) +7.266s
Masia also set the fastest lap with 1’32.115s, ensuring a strong start to the 2026 season.