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Two victories and a third narrowly missed due to a red flag. This is how the Jerez weekend ended for Nicolò Bulega, who concluded the 2024 season behind Toprak, graduating as Superbike championship runner-up. The Aruba rider's season went way beyond all expectations and there is a lot of satisfaction on his part for what he showed in this rookie year.
Bulega's analysis started from Race 2, in which he finished behind the Turk.
"It was very difficult to overtake Toprak today," he began, "in acceleration he had more than me and in the end that's the way it went, that is, with a second place. I am happy for what we have done in this year and this championship finale is very good for me."
Nicolo, was it really hard to do more than that?
"I think this season has gone beyond all expectations and I'm proud to have done a top 2024. I got to learn a lot and I will be better prepared for 2025. I don't know if I will have a chance to fight for the World Championship title, of course I hope so. The only thing I care about is having fun and being competitive."
After such a World Championship do you think you are Toprak's main rival?
"I don't think there is a number one or number two in a factory team. In the end both riders are at the same level, because I think there is a lot of support from our team. I am, at the same time, aware that Alvaro carries a lot of weight given his world titles. I certainly learned a lot and in 2025 I will face the World Championship with a different mentality."
Nicolò, do you think it is possible with this Panigale to fight for the World Championship in 2025? BMW will bring a new bike to the track.
"To tell the truth, I think I fought to my full potential. On some occasions the bike had more potential than I had. On some occasions I got there, but on others I only used 90 percent of it. I don't know what BMW has in store for us, but for sure Ducati will work hard and not sit back idly."
You've had a chance to talk with Dall'Igna.
"I often talk to Gigi. He asks me what I need to be fast and he knows what I need. At the same time I also talk with Zambenedetti, a great engineer."
What grade do you give yourself for this 2024?
"As a grade I would say 8.5."
Did you see the Phillip Island race this morning?
"Yes, I got to see some images, a good race."
Who will win the title?
"Martin is very strong and fast, plus he is not making mistakes. Bagnaia is a two-time world title winner, he has a strong mentality. Therefore I say Pecco."
To end this season you left some rubber on the asphalt.
"Exactly! If I had continued to deflate the tyre, the engineers would have killed me."
