Lecuona Quickest in WorldSBK Friday Practice at Cremona
Iker Lecuona led the combined WorldSBK practice times at Cremona with a 1:28.108 lap. Teammate Nicolo Bulega was second but crashed twice during the day. Alberto Surra took third, while American Garrett Gerloff was seventh.
Bulega's double crash on Friday adds tension to a weekend where he could clinch the championship on Italian soil. Despite the falls, his second-place time keeps him within striking distance of Lecuona, who topped both sessions. Surra's third-place showing marks a strong outing for the rookie as he chases his first WorldSBK podium.
Several riders endured difficult days, including Montella with two crashes and Alex Lowes, who went down after a red flag period. Gerloff's late-session push secured eighth overall, while Oliveira's FP2 performance hinted at BMW's recovery from recent struggles. Petrucci languished in 19th, and Baz, substituting for Mackenzie, finished 20th.
This practice session could shape the championship narrative heading into race day, as Bulega's title hopes hinge on his ability to recover from two crashes. His aggressive pace suggests he remains competitive, but repeated falls may signal risk-taking that could cost points. For fans and teams, the tight times among the top riders may foreshadow close racing, potentially boosting viewership and engagement with the series as the season reaches its decisive phase.