Iker Lecuona's flight was short-lived. Just hours after his joy at finally securing his first Superbike victory, after 140 attempts, the Spaniard ruined everything in the Superpole Race by crashing at the Goddard corner on the second lap. A stroke of luck for Nicolò Bulega, who resumed his winning streak. But what a performance from Yari Montella!
By Paolo Gozzi (Corse di Moto)
Once again, Lecuona got off to a blistering start, snatching pole position from his teammate. With Bulega held off by an increasingly convincing Yari Montella, the path seemed clear for a second victory in two days. But Lecuona lost the front end entering the final chicane and saw his hopes dashed.
For Nicolò Bulega, the Montella situation still needed to be resolved. The Campanian rider from the Barni team, already confirmed for 2027, led the first three laps masterfully. Then the Cannibal decided the time had come to act, and a strong attack in Melbourne allowed him to regain the lead and take the victory. His record now stands at 22 wins in 23 races: the previous day's defeat has already been erased. Lecuona's crash also has consequences for Race 2, as he will have to start from the fourth row, in tenth position. A great opportunity for Bulega, who certainly didn't need it.
It's only July, but the Aruba.it team already has plenty to celebrate, having secured the World Team Championship title. Four full rounds remain, including the final race here at Donington, highlighting the extent of the Italian manufacturer's factory team's dominance. And that's not all: after Race 2, Ducati could also clinch the Constructors' title, an even more symbolic achievement. The red brand has crushed the competition in Superbike in the past, but a championship decided this early, in July, is unprecedented.
Yari Montella secured his tenth podium finish of the 2025 season, an excellent result for the top independent rider on the grid. The podium was completed by Sam Lowes, who was accompanied to parc fermé by a photo of the team boss, Marc van der Straten, who passed away last Sunday.
The Ducati riders all started with the same tire choice as in the long race: an SC1 at the front and a soft SCX at the rear. Conversely, those with nothing to lose took a gamble on qualifying, but failed to trouble the red rockets. Xavi Vierge, on the Yamaha, finished eighth, eight seconds behind the winner, roughly a second per lap.
The moment of truth in Superbike
After Donington, the Superbike season will take a two-month break. It will resume on September 5th and 6th at Magny-Cours in France. Only four rounds will then remain: Magny-Cours, Cremona, Estoril, and Jerez.
But until then, it's time for one last thrilling race. Race 2 will start at 16:30 PM French time to avoid a clash with the MotoGP race in Germany. Between the two Ducati riders, which one will head off on holiday with a smile?
Superbike Donington – Superpole race standings:
Ranking : WorldSBK.com
