Bulega Breaks Razgatlioglu’s Record at Portimao: Dominant Superpole Win!

Portimão, Portugal – Nicolo Bulega of Aruba.it Racing Ducati delivered a blistering performance at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve on Saturday, claiming pole position for the Pirelli Portuguese Round of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship. The Italian rider didn’t just top qualifying; he obliterated the existing lap record, setting a modern benchmark of 1:38.495 and eclipsing Toprak Razgatlioglu’s previous best of 1:39.081. This sets the stage for what promises to be a compelling race weekend as the World Superbike series continues its second round of the 2026 season.

The Superpole session saw a fierce battle for the top spot, initially led by Bulega’s teammate, Iker Lecuona. Lecuona was the first rider to dip into the 1m38s, setting a time of 1:38.637 that appeared to be enough to secure pole. However, Bulega, after a strategic approach focusing on race pace during earlier practice sessions, unleashed a final, stunning lap to snatch the lead. He completed his record-breaking run on a tire that had already seen significant leverage, adding to the impressiveness of the achievement.

Ducati Dominates the Front Row

The Ducati dominance didn’t stop with Bulega. Iker Lecuona secured second place, completing a 1-2 for the Aruba.it Racing Ducati team. Yari Montella of Barni Spark Racing further solidified Ducati’s stronghold on the front row, claiming third position with a time of 1:38.933. This marks a significant showing for the Italian manufacturer, with all three front-row starters piloting Ducati Panigale V4 R machines.

Oliveira and BMW Face Challenges

Whereas Ducati celebrated, BMW faced a more challenging qualifying session. Miguel Oliveira, riding for ROKiT BMW Motorrad, managed a respectable fourth place with a time of 1:39.068, but finished six tenths of a second behind Bulega. Danilo Petrucci, also on a BMW M 1000 RR, qualified ninth, eight tenths off the pace. The performance raises questions about BMW’s competitiveness against Ducati, particularly after the departure of Toprak Razgatlioglu, who previously served as a key benchmark for the German manufacturer.

As reported by Corsedimoto.com, Oliveira acknowledged the gap, but expressed confidence in his race pace. The shift in dynamics with Oliveira replacing Razgatlioglu is becoming apparent, as the former MotoGP rider is still adapting to the World Superbike machinery. The winter testing period, hampered by inclement weather, likely contributed to the challenges faced by the BMW team.

A New Era for World Superbike?

Bulega’s performance signals a potential shift in the competitive landscape of World Superbike. Having also secured a victory in the opening round in Australia, the championship leader has now won seven consecutive races, including four at the end of the 2025 season. The question now is whether any rider can challenge his dominance.

Last year at Portimao, Toprak Razgatlioglu enjoyed a successful weekend, winning all races after intense battles with Bulega. Razgatlioglu still holds the official track record with a time of 1:39.441 set during the Superpole Race last year. However, Bulega’s new lap record suggests that the Ducati rider is poised to mount a serious defense of his championship lead.

Qualifying Results

Here’s a look at the top ten finishers from the Superpole session:

The first race of the weekend is scheduled for 16:30 local time (15:30 UTC) on Sunday. Bulega will start from pole position, carrying a 62-point lead in the championship standings after his dominant performance in Australia. The question remains: can anyone dethrone the Ducati rider and inject some competition into what is shaping up to be a potentially one-sided World Superbike season?

Stay tuned to Archysport for full coverage of the Pirelli Portuguese Round, including race results, analysis, and exclusive interviews.