Nicolo Bulega: “I enjoy every lap” of Phillip Island

Nicolo Bulega took a commanding pole position in qualifying at the Australian WorldSBK.

For the Italian, who has won four times from six starts in World Superbike at Phillip Island, it was a third pole position from three Superpoles at the legendary Australian track, which was recently confirmed to be leaving the MotoGP calendar after 2026.

Bulega had topped every session leading into Superpole, and had an advantage of over 0.4 seconds over second-placed Yari Montella in the qualifying session, putting him as the clear favourite to take victory in Race 1 this afternoon.

“I feel very good,” Bulega told the WorldSBK world feed broadcast after Superpole at Phillip Island.

“I love this track and I enjoy every lap riding here, so another pole I’m really happy. 

“Thanks to my team for the bike and I hope to continue like this.”

Montella: Front row “like a dream”

For Montella’s part, a front row in Phillip Island marks the Italian’s first top-three qualifying in WorldSBK having stepped up from World Supersport last year.

The Barni Spark rider was 0.419 seconds behind Bulega, but he was pleased with the result.

“Not bad,” Montella told the world feed broadcast in parc ferme.

“In the end, at a track like Phillip Island, a track that I love, start from the front row for the first time is like a dream. 

“So, now we need just to continue the work that we’ve done these days, also during the race and we’ll see our potential.”

Sam Lowes “didn’t expect more” than front row

Sam Lowes completed the top-three in Superpole, fulfilling a Ducati front row lockout for Race 1 and the Superpole Race.

The Marc VDS rider has been one of the riders closest to Bulega on pace all weekend, but he admitted after Superpole that he never really expected to beat the Italian to pole position.

“The qualifying was difficult, the conditions were quite a bit different to this morning and it was hard to make time, so I’m really happy with the job done,” Lowes said in his parc ferme TV interview.

“Front row is always the target in qualifying, I didn’t expect too much more – I knew Bulega would be strong. 

“So, that’s sort of where I think I am, sort of second-to-fifth pace. 

“Looking forward to fighting for the podium later. Really happy to be here, love Phillip Island and enjoying the support.”