Is Ducati more affected by WorldSBK fuel flow changes in 2026?

Nicolo Bulega has suggested that changes made to Ducati’s WorldSBK machine for 2026 have had an impact on the way it is affected by fuel flow changes.

The Italian was fastest on the opening day of running at round three of the 2026 season in the Netherlands and led an all-Ducati top-three.

The Dutch Round is the first one this year to take place after fuel flow changes have been applied. The fuel flow regulation was first introduced last year as a way to balance the performance of the machines in World Superbike, with an algorithm dictating which manufacturers should be penalised by having their maximum fuel flow reduced after every two rounds.

Ducati and BMW were penalised on every occasion during last season, but finished second and first, respectively, in the championship. They both finished the season with 45kg/h of maximum fuel flow. 

After round two of 2026, BMW still has 45kg/h, but Ducati has been reduced to 44.5kg/h after Nicolo Buelga won all six of the races in 2026 so far. Bimota was also penalised after Portimao, dropping to 45.5kg/h.

Last year, Bulega spoke of how the Ducati felt less clean at low engine speeds when the fuel flow was reduced. The Italian says that this year he can “feel” the fuel flow reduction compared to Portimao and Phillip Island and suggests that the specification of this year’s bike is a factor.

“I feel [the fuel flow reduction], especially because we had to change the gearbox compared to last year, also the swingarm is different,” Bulega told WorldSBK.com when asked if he can notice the reduction while riding.

“Last year I had a good feeling with the bike and now I’m at 85 or 90 per cent. 

“We have to try to search a little bit everywhere, also because the bike is new, so it changed a little bit, yes.”

Iker Lecuona said he feels it mostly at higher engine speeds, but added his lack of experience with fuel flow changes – coming from Honda last year – means it’s hard for him to judge.

“I feel [it] a little bit, honestly, in the high-RPM,” he said.

“But I don’t have enough experience to say ‘Here I struggle’ or not. 

“Of course, we need to adjust many things on the electronics side, but for me it’s nothing crazy.”