Shortly before leaving for Balaton, we caught up with Nicolò Bulega. Given the many commitments awaiting the Aruba rider on Thursday at the circuit, #11 shared a few thoughts before boarding his flight to Hungary.
Nicolò heads into the fourth round of the season as the leader, having racked up nine straight wins so far in 2026. But, as if that weren’t enough, if he wins Race 1 on Saturday, he'll set a record of 14 consecutive victories: a feat no one has ever achieved.
“Balaton isn’t my favorite race, but I finished second last year, so the results aren’t all that bad. This year will likely be tougher, because it’s a track that suits my riding style less. I’ll have to work to adapt and stay very focused, but as always, I’ll give it one hundred percent.”
You could set the record Tat Balaton, 14 wins in a row...
“It’s definitely something incredible, but it’s not what interests me most. For me, the priority is winning races and trying to win the championship. If records come along with that, all the better. it’s nice to know, but it doesn’t change my goal.”
Is this the best Bulega ever?
“It’s a very positive period. I’m riding the bike well, and I’ve known the team for three years now in the Superbike. I’m gaining more experience, and I'm able to express myself with my natural style. When that happens, like in Australia, I can be fast.”
Do you think Lecuona could be your main rival?
“He might close the gap, but, in a race, it doesn’t matter if you win by a second or ten. What matters is winning. He’s definitely one of the closest contenders right now. He’ll be very strong at Balaton, because it’s a track that suits his style better, while it’ll be more complicated for me. If I could win there, it would be a major sign for the season.”
Many people say you could win every race this year.
“It’s very difficult. I set out to win every weekend, but it’s not always possible. There are so many factors, like the weather or race incidents. You also need a bit of luck. Balaton will be tough for me, but I thought the same about Cremona last year, then I scored a hat trick. In motorsports, you never know.”
At the CIV, Domenicali told us there are many options on the table with Bulega. Which would be the best one for you?
“We’re talking, and there are several options. The best solution would be to make it to the MotoGP, but under the right conditions... with a competitive bike and a package that allows me to be a contender. I’m not interested in going just to say I’m there. It’s my dream, but I want to do it right, especially since I didn’t have a positive experience in the World Championship in the past.”
It seems like your future depends on Di Giannantonio’s decision, and, at the same time, Tech 3.
“When it comes to Ducati side, a lot will also depend on the choices of other riders, such as Fabio Di Giannantonio. But there are also other options, not just tied to him.”