Nicolo Bulega won the opening WorldSBK Race 1 at Phillip Island, starting the 2026 season strongly for Ducati. Yari Montella finished second, with Lorenzo Baldassarri third to complete an all-Ducati podium. The race featured close battles behind the leader as riders managed tyres and pace at the fast Australian circuit.
Nicolo Bulega topped the third WorldSBK practice session at Phillip Island, continuing his strong pace ahead of the race weekend. Sam Lowes finished second while Axel Bassani stayed among the front runners. Teams used the session to refine setup and tyre choice before qualifying, with close lap times across the leading group.
Trackhouse team boss Justin Marks suggested MotoGP could improve racing by adjusting the qualifying format. He believes changes to how grid positions are decided may create closer competition and give more teams a chance to fight near the front. The idea focuses on making race weekends easier to follow and more engaging for fans.
Toprak Razgatlioglu revealed Pramac Yamaha asked him to change his riding style and brake earlier during testing. The former WorldSBK champion explained his natural late-braking approach from Superbikes does not suit the MotoGP bike and tyres. The team believes smoother corner entry will help stability and tyre life as he continues adapting to the category.
Local businesses around Phillip Island say they are worried about losing income after the Australian MotoGP is set to move in future years. Hotels, restaurants and tourism operators rely heavily on the race weekend visitors each season. Community members believe the event brings major economic activity, and its departure could significantly affect jobs and the regional economy.
Ducati says the upcoming 2027 MotoGP regulations will limit extreme technical ideas teams could normally explore. Engineers explained the new rules aim to control performance and costs, reducing the chance of unusual engineering concepts. The manufacturer believes development will focus more on efficiency and balance rather than radical innovations once the new era begins.
Jorge Martín has been declared fit to take part in the Buriram MotoGP test. After recent injury concerns, medical checks confirmed he can return to the bike and continue pre-season preparation. The test will allow him to regain track time and assess his condition before the opening race weekend.
Jake Dixon has successfully undergone surgery in Melbourne after suffering fractures to his left wrist. The injury occurred during running at Phillip Island. Doctors carried out the operation soon after the incident and his recovery process has now started. Further updates on his return to racing will depend on rehabilitation progress in the coming weeks.
Nicolo Bulega set the quickest time in the opening WorldSBK practice session at Phillip Island. Sam Lowes finished second, while Axel Bassani placed third on the Bimota. Riders used the first session to evaluate tyres and setup ahead of the race weekend, with close lap times across the front group during early running.
MotoGP has confirmed the Australian Grand Prix will leave Phillip Island and move to a new street circuit in Adelaide from 2027. The proposed city track will feature 18 corners over roughly 4.2 km. Phillip Island has hosted the race for decades, but organisers have now agreed a new long-term hosting deal with South Australia.