Donington 2026, Superpole: new record by Bulega, still ahead of everyone

A record Superpole

Pole position and new lap record of the Donington track: the absolute dominance of Nicolò Bulega in this world championship shows no signs of stopping, with the Ducati rider having secured yet another Superpole this season. All those held so far have indeed been won by #11, the championship leader who is preparing for Race 1 this afternoon with the satisfaction of having broken another record in Superbike history: with 9 consecutive Superpoles, the rider from Reggio Emilia has beaten the record of Jonathan Rea dating back to 2021.

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Superpole Report

Two riders did not take part in the session, both unfit due to crashes in FP2 and FP3. In the first, Tarran Mackenzie suffered a concussion and possible fractures to the clavicle and ankle, while in the second Alberto Surra injured his right shoulder. The Superpole also started badly for Remy Gardner, although without consequences: already in the first minutes, the Australian fell at turn 10, during a qualifying phase in which Iker Lecuona set the new British track record ahead of Montella and Bulega. Another crash, this time three minutes from the end, occurred at the exit of the last corner, with Miguel Oliveira immediately returning to the track to attempt his last time attack. The best performance, however, was once again by Nicolò Bulega, who set the best time at 1:24.410, just 52 thousandths faster than his teammate. Montella held third position, with Sam Lowes completing the Ducati quartet. Below is the starting grid for Race 1, scheduled today at 16:30.

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Donington 2026, Race 1: the starting grid