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Nicolò Bulega's last Round of the year started with the right attitude. In the crucial appointment in Jerez, the last act of the challenge between him and Toprak Razgatlioglu, the Ducati rider was the protagonist of an excellent Friday, finishing in second position, 150 thousandths from the benchmark set by Michael Ruben Rinaldi.
"I usually take advantage of Fridays to learn the track and understand how the bike behaves, but today it wasn't necessary because I had already ridden the Superbike on this circuit and, more or less, I already knew how to ride in FP1 - commented Bulega - I got off to a good start, this morning I had a great pace and a good feeling. A little less in the afternoon, but I think it was like that a little bit for everyone, because of a slight worsening of the track conditions, which offered less grip. Overall, though, the feeling was good and I set my best time on very used tires, so I'm happy."
Already quite close to Toprak last weekend at Estoril, in Andalusia the rookie from Emilia seems to be on the same level as his opponent.
"At Estoril I was closer but only in the Superpole Race, because in the long races Toprak was faster. He was already from FP1 - he pointed out - Here I think I can be slightly closer. Honestly, I wouldn't know if we are at the same level. I have to check everyone's pace, but I think I have good potential. Because, as I said, I had a good pace, good feelings and we can still improve, since I'm not 100 percent yet. We have to work ahead of tomorrow, but usually I'm not so happy on Friday and that's good."
Saturday could be a decisive day, as Razgatlioglu will have the opportunity to bring the battle for the championship to an end already in Race 1.
"I feel very relaxed, as usual. I'm focused on what I have to do, because I know Toprak has a big margin and only needs to take the checkered flag, to take the title. Therefore, I am not thinking about the championship right now, but only about doing my best. If I can win, all the better. Then we'll see after the race," Nicolo said.
However, in this difficult confrontation Bulegas will be able to count on the support of his loved ones and friends like Enea Bastianini, who is ready to brave the time difference to try to see his brand mate's race.
"I have many friends even outside the racing world who have sent me many messages, and it is always nice to see that you have so many people by your side. It makes you feel less alone, even if you are then when you get on the bike. It's very nice to have so many people to support you," commented the 25-year-old, who in the first test in Jerez ahead of 2024 never imagined he would arrive at the last Round still fighting for the title.
"When I came to Superbike I was very fast from day one, but in my mind I kept telling myself that then in the race it would be a different story, and that I could be fast for two or three laps," he admitted.
In addition to the world championship battle, one of the hot topics these days is the replacement of Fabio Di Giannantonio in MotoGP after his shoulder surgery. If Valentino called him to replace the Roman, what would Bulega say?
"It's difficult, because I think it would make me very proud but I don't know if I would like to go, because MotoGP right now is at an incredible level. The bike is very difficult and, even if you are a good rider, you can't think about going up like that on a MotoGP, in the middle of 20 lions, with the lowerer and everything you have to do in every corner, " the Italian rider replied. "It is very difficult and you need time to get used to it, not because you are not at the right level, but because the riding style is completely different. So, I don't think it's a good idea to go directly to MotoGP, without having done testing or anything else. If someone proposed me to go there after testing, then maybe I could say yes. Without testing, though, I think it's better to stay in Superbike. Have I received any calls? No."
