Bulega Fastest in WorldSBK FP1 at Jerez
Nicolò Bulega led the first World Superbike practice session at Jerez with a time of 1:38.155. Sam Lowes was second and Iker Lecuona third. Garrett Gerloff placed 13th on his Kawasaki.
At Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, Bulega set the morning benchmark at 1:38.155 aboard an Aruba.it Ducati. Sam Lowes followed 0.252 seconds back, with Iker Lecuona another 0.082 seconds behind. The 4.42-kilometre Spanish track hosted 22 riders in the opening session of the season’s final round.
Garrett Gerloff ended FP1 13th on a Kawasaki, while Danilo Petrucci was 17th on a BMW. Behind the top three, Yari Montella, Alberto Surra and Alex Lowes completed the top six. Bulega’s ten-lap run saw him lead the times on seven of those laps.
This opening practice result may shape fan expectations and team preparations for the final WorldSBK round. A strong start for Bulega could boost Ducati’s visibility and sponsor interest, while riders chasing championship positions, such as Montella and Alex Lowes, may feel added pressure. For Jerez, the event could bring short-term attention to local businesses and tourism. Viewers and supporters of Gerloff or Petrucci may adjust hopes based on early pace, though early practice pace may not fully predict race results.