Nicolo Bulega wary of overconfidence as unbeaten WorldSBK run continues

Despite extending his unbeaten streak in 2026 to four races in WorldSBK, Nicolo Bulega insists that he is not “unbeatable”.

Bulega won by 2.5 seconds in Race 1 at Portimao, beating his teammate Iker Lecuona and BMW’s Miguel Oliveira, both of whom on the podium for the first time with their new teams (and for 2026 rookie Oliveira a first podium in World Superbike at all).

It was Bulega’s fourth win of the season and it was taken in comparably commanding fashion to that which he demonstrated in Australia in February.

After four race wins to start the season, Bulega’s victory streak – which stretches back to Estoril Race 2 in 2025 – stands at eight, and he’s led all but three laps so far this season.

But the Italian is keen to stay realistic rather than become wrapped up in his own apparent invincibility in World Superbike.

“No one is unbeatable,” Nicolo Bulega said, speaking to WorldSBK.com after Race 1 in Portugal. 

“I think it’s just a good moment for me. 

“I have always a good feeling with my bike, with my team, with everything around me. 

“So, I just have to continue like this and try to always improve because if you release one second you are not first anymore so we have to push always.”

The Race 1 win in Portimao was one that came after reverting to his original setting on the Panigale V4 R having spent time making adjustments that never quite delivered the desired results on Friday.

“Honestly, it was a good weekend until now,” Bulega said.

“Yesterday I fight a lot with my bike to try to have a good feeling. This morning we came back on my standard setting and the bike was working much better, but still not 100 per cent like I want. 

“Also today, in the race, I was fighting a little bit in some areas to stop the bike and turn like I want.”

The championship leader is keen to find more improvements with his bike setup for Sunday’s two races.

“For sure, I won today so maybe yes,” Bulega said when asked if he is the rider to beat on Sunday.

“But [...] we have to improve, because I’m not very happy with the feeling right now.”