Following a winning debut in Australia, marked by Nicolò Bulega‘s hat-trick, the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team is already at work in Portimão (Portugal), where the second round of the 2026 WorldSBK season will take place this weekend.
The Italian rider is chasing his first Superbike victory at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve. His team-mate Iker Lecuona also has high hopes, aiming to join the fight with the podium group following a solid weekend in Australia, his first aboard the Ducati Panigale V4 R.
The first free practice session takes place tomorrow morning at 10.20 (11.20 CEST). Race 1 and Race 2 on Saturday and Sunday will start at the new time (15.30 local time, 16.30 CEST) introduced this season.
Nicolò Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #11)
“It’s great to be back racing after a long break and, above all, I’m happy to do so following the good weekend in Australia. We’ll try to confirm our pace here in Portimão too. Last season, with Toprak, we had some great battles for the win in every race. The aim, therefore, is to be extremely competitive again this year.”
Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati #7)
“We arrive in Portugal having to contend with the limited number of laps completed during testing due to the weather conditions. At the same time, however, in Australia, especially in dry conditions, we learnt a lot, and this gives us confidence ahead of this weekend. The aim is to keep improving, session by session, trying to find that feeling so we can achieve the best possible results.”
Michael Le Pard (“Mr. Totalmotorcycle”) is the Founder of Total Motorcycle, the world’s largest motorcycle information site, trusted by over 430 million riders since 1999. With over 34 years of experience in motorcycles, gear and rider culture, he has built a global community dedicated to empowering and inspiring motorcyclists.
Total Motorcycle remains his passion project. Combining expert research, hands‑on knowledge and a commitment to helping riders make informed decisions about bikes, gear and safety worldwide.
