Assen 2026, Race 2: Bulega finishes the Dutch weekend in style

Three consecutive hat-tricks at the start of this season for Nicolò Bulega, who after the victories achieved at Phillip Island and Portimão (with Superpole) has repeated himself on the circuit of Assen, achieving a historic result at the same time: with thirteen consecutive successes (nine this season plus the four from the last four races of last championship) the Emilian Ducati rider has equaled the absolute record belonging to Toprak Razgatlioglu. Race 2 represents a celebration for both #11 and the Borgo Panigale manufacturer, with Iker Lecuona and Sam Lowes back on the podium (already seen in Race 1 and Superpole Race) and six riders in the top six positions.

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Race report

The true protagonist of the start was Sam Lowes, who took the lead at the first corner after starting from third position. The Brit thus became the new leader ahead of Lecuona and Bulega, who, however, was unable to defend against attacks despite starting from the first grid slot. However, already in the final stages of the second lap, Lecuona successfully overtook the Marc VDS team rider, who then lost second position to Bulega on the third lap. Furthermore, on this very lap, #11 himself made a very decisive attack on his teammate, quickly returning to the top of the Assen Round standings and setting his first fastest laps. The first half of Race 2 also saw fourth and fifth positions occupied respectively by Alvaro Bautista and Alex Lowes, for a top-5 already seen in previous Assen practice sessions. In the Barni team, however, Yari Montella made a comeback to fifth position, moving up behind his teammate and ahead of another Italian, Lorenzo Baldassarri.

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Assen 2026, Race 2: finishing order

Next event

In the coming month, three rounds are scheduled, contrary to what has happened so far with one event held each month (Phillip Island in February, Portimão in March, and Assen in April). The first, which will take place from May 1st to 3rd, will see Superbike return to the Hungarian circuit of Balaton, one year after the category’s debut on this track.

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