Jonathan Rea won six consecutive world championships, the most overwhelming dominance Superbike has ever seen. But sometimes, he had to fight for his victories: his rivals lost, though they weren't far behind. Nicolò Bulega does even better: he takes off, finds his rhythm, and doesn't look anyone in the eye.
More than the numbers, it's the manner that counts. Bulega's superiority is unprecedented. Certainly, the Ducati Panigale V4 R is a rocket compared to the competitors in this somewhat unusual Superbike class, but there are eight others on the track. Nicolò doesn't just win: he crushes them. Beyond the performance, visible to all, his ability to remain focused while completing the vast majority of laps in complete solitude is also astonishing. Nicolò Bulega rides on the track, but, lacking rivals, he races against the clock. The comparison is a bit audacious, but it's as if this young man were competing in the Tourist Trophy, where everyone doesn't start together, but rides against the clock.
Iker Lecuona, who will succeed him?
In Cremona, the Ducati rider made a resounding entrance into the Bulega world championship by beating him three times. It seemed like a change of pace; it was more of a flash in the pan, because at Estoril and during this final visit to Andalusia, the balance of power returned to normal. Here, Iker was even overtaken by the solid Sam Lowes, an independent rider with Marc VDS, who is fast when he's not crashing.
But that's not all: in the early laps, the official Ducati rider also risked falling under the pressure of Yari Montella, who finished fifth in this race and deservedly third in the world championship. Let's not forget that the young rider from Campania is only in his second season in the world championship.
Jerez gave Alvaro Bautista a much-needed boost, as he launched a furious attack on his teammate Yari Montella. The young man, who had been expected to grow up in the shadow of the three-time world champion – one title in 125cc and two in Superbike – had consistently beaten him until now, but not this time. The top three were too far ahead, but seeing Bautista back where it counts was a welcome sight.
By Paolo Gozzi / Corsedimoto.com
Superbike Jerez – Race 1 results:
Standings: WorldSBK.com
