Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) and Max Biaggi have a few things in common after the former’s MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship title success. They’re both Italian, they both won the title in Italy and they both won it on Italian machinery. With ‘Bulegas’ wrapping up the title, six-time World Champion Biaggi reflected on Bulega’s success, his historic campaign and more.
“I WAS FEELING LONELY… WITH HIM, I’M FEELING MUCH HAPPIER”
It seems remarkable that, until this year, Biaggi is the only Italian WorldSBK Champion given the contribution the country has made, through teams, manufacturers, riders and fans, in the Championship. Now Italy can celebrate a second World Superbike Champion in the form of Bulega, who wrapped up the title and joins the ‘Roman Emperor’ in a very exclusive club of Italian Champions.
Discussing Bulega becoming only the second Italian Champion in WorldSBK, Biaggi said: “Of course I’m happy, big congratulations to Nicolo. Finally, another Italian! After 14 years, my last one was in 2012 and it’s now 2026, I’m very happy that he became World Champion. I was feeling really lonely. Now, with him, I’m feeling much happier. Congrats to him because he’s dominated the season and it’s good that he’s coming to MotoGP after his tremendous year. I can’t wait to see him in that Championship.”
“YOU CANNOT ASK FOR MORE WHEN YOU WIN IN YOUR HOME COUNTRY”
Two Italians, winning the title on Italian bikes… it doesn’t get better than that, surely? Well, both also secured a title on home soil. For Bulega, it came in Round 10 at the Cremona Circuit, while for Biaggi, he claimed his 2010 Championship at Imola. Biaggi, who claimed his two titles for Aprilia, explained the feelings he experienced on that monumental day in his career.
About winning the title on home soil, Biaggi said: “You cannot ask for more when you win in your home country, in front of your fans. There’s no better way to do it. He will remember that day forever. I say this from experience because I did it and I remember. This will stay in his mind forever. Nicolo, enjoy that moment and hopefully you can remember this one forever!”
“I THINK IT’S A COMBINATION OF TALENT, ABILITY AND MACHINE ON THE TECHNICAL SIDE”
Bulega has enjoyed a campaign like no other this year, breaking all sorts of records and re-writing a lot of the history books – particularly relating to records in a single season. He’s won 26 out of 30 races, almost doubled the win streak record and has recorded all but one pole position so far this year on his way to the title. Biaggi spoke about his compatriot’s campaign, sending his congratulations for the #11’s season.
Reflecting on Bulega’s incredible, record-breaking campaign, the four-time 250cc World Champion stated: “When you win the title in that way and dominate, I think it’s a combination of talent, ability and machine on the technical side. Ducati have dominated that Championship but even if there are other riders on that machine, but big congratulations for what he did. When you win so many races, there’s no doubt.”
Congratulate Bulega on social media using the hashtag #Bu1egacy and watch the best moments of his campaign using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now only €9.99!