Ducati Sporting Club UK > News Items > Ducati Press Releases > The winter test at Phillip Island came to an end with Bulega in first place and Lecuona in eighth. The 2026 WorldSBK season kicks off on Friday

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WSBK | 17 February 2026

The winter test at Phillip Island came to an end with Bulega in first place and Lecuona in eighth. The 2026 WorldSBK season kicks off on Friday

The second day of testing at the Phillip Island circuit (Australia) marked the end of the 2026 WorldSBK pre-season.

It was four crucial sessions for Nicolò Bulega, Iker Lecuona and the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team, who will return to the track on Friday at 11:20 a.m. (01:20 CEST) for the first free practice session of the Australian Round.



Nicolò Bulega also finished the second day of testing in the lead, being the only rider to break the 1'29 barrier in both the morning and afternoon sessions.

Iker Lecuona showed solid progress, gaining confidence with his Panigale V4 R lap after lap and finishing eighth in the combined standings.

The complete data analysis for today's two sessions is available in the Download section.


Nicolò Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #11)
“I'm happy because, during this second day, we had the chance to try many different solutions. I liked some of them; others less so, but this helped us understand which path to take. We need to improve further in some areas, but the base is definitely good”.

Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #7)
“I must admit that I am very satisfied, also because my pre-season basically only started yesterday. The feelings are extremely positive, both on and off the track, and for this, I want to thank the team that has put me in a position to work calmly, without pressure, but with the right concentration. We have learned a lot in these two days, and I am sure that we can continue to make great steps forward during the weekend”.