Ducati Sporting Club UK > News Items > Ducati Press Releases > Bulega produces a brilliant performance in Race 1 to take the win and keep title fight open. Bautista makes a great comeback to finish on the podium.

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World Superbike | 2025 | R12 | Jerez (Spain) | Saturday 18 October 2025

Bulega produces a brilliant performance in Race 1 to take the win and keep the title fight open. Bautista makes a great comeback to finish on the podium.

Just like last Sunday at Estoril, the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team celebrated a double podium finish at the Angel Nieto Circuit in Jerez de la Frontera thanks to Nicolò Bulega's victory and Álvaro Bautista's third place.

After setting a new all-time circuit record in Superpole, the Italian rider engaged in a thrilling duel with Razgatlioglu (BMW) in the early corners before taking a commanding lead at the end of the first lap. Bulega's unbeatable race pace allowed him to cross the finish line with a lead of almost 4 seconds, keeping the fight for the world title wide open.

Álvaro Bautista started from seventh position and from the seventh lap onwards was the protagonist of an inexorable comeback, characterised by a spectacular double overtaking manoeuvre at turn 1 on Vierge (Honda) and Lowes (Bimota). With six laps to go, he then took Iannone (Ducati) to take third position.

Nicolò Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #11)
"I'm happy with this victory, also because compared to yesterday we managed to make a huge step forward with the bike. For this reason, I would like to thank the team, which, as always, did an extraordinary job. The championship is still open. I can only win, even though I know it may not be enough".

Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.ii Racing – Ducati)
"It's always nice to be on the podium at Jerez in front of so many fans, friends and my family. I'm also thrilled because after the difficulties we encountered yesterday, today the team put me in a position to feel good. It's clear that in the early laps I continue to be a passenger and not a rider, but from the middle of the race onwards, the pace was robust".