The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship has touched down at the Cremona Circuit for Round Ten of the 2026 season — and the EICMA Italian Round promises to be one of the most pivotal weekends of the year. Not only could the riders’ championship be decided on home soil for the series’ Italian stars, but seats for 2027 are also being fought over, with announcements, departures, and new arrivals dominating conversation in the paddock. Here’s what the key contenders had to say as they prepared to go on track.
Nicolo Bulega: “It’s a dream — this place gave me my smile back”
For Nicolo Bulega, this weekend carries more weight than most. The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati rider has already confirmed his return to MotoGP for 2027, and he could cap his WorldSBK career with the title on home ground.
“It’s a dream. My career started in Moto3 in the other paddock, and then for some reasons I changed and came here. I want to say thanks to WorldSBK and my team because they gave me my smile back when I needed it most. When I arrived, I was in a difficult moment in my career. WorldSBK and this team gave me the confidence to enjoy riding again — and when a rider is happy, results follow. I’ll remember my time here as something really special. The WorldSSP title, my first wins, the hat‑tricks… there are so many memories. But we’re not finished yet — there’s still this season to close, and hopefully more to come.
“This weekend will be amazing. We’re in Italy, I ride for Ducati, I’m Italian… winning the title here would be fantastic. I’m not going to change my approach — I always go for the win. Cremona is a track where I’ve been fast, but I also have to think hard and get everything exactly right. It’s not straightforward for me here, but I’m ready.”
Iker Lecuona: “Bulega deserves MotoGP — and I’m ready to lead the team”
Bulega’s teammate Iker Lecuona has been a consistent force all season, and with the Spaniard tipped to take over the Aruba.it lead role next term, he’s confident of his standing.
“I feel good and expectations are high. I’ve always liked this circuit — last year I felt really comfortable here. We tested recently and it was tricky weather‑wise, but we learned a lot and found a strong base. I think Nicolo will wrap up the title here — he just needs to stay upright, and we’ve got a good package. He deserves MotoGP, no question. He’s already fast on the bike in testing, so he’ll do well there very soon.
“As for me? I believe I’m the clear favourite for the number one spot next year. The gap to third in the championship is bigger than the gap between me and Nicolo. We’ve shown we have the speed. We’re still chasing those final few tenths — we’ll keep working on that over the last three rounds so we’re even stronger in 2027. Whoever joins me, as long as they’re a good professional, I’m happy.”
Miguel Oliveira: “We’re bouncing back — and Brad Binder is exactly what we need”
Newly arrived at ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, Miguel Oliveira is looking to put a difficult Magny‑Cours weekend firmly behind him. He also welcomed the news that Brad Binder will join the squad in 2027.
“We come here with a fresh mindset. Magny‑Cours was tough, but we’ve analysed everything and we know where we need to improve. It’s hard to be certain without more track time, but we’ve done our homework and we want to be competitive from the very first session.
“Having Brad join us is great news. He’s fast, he’s motivated, and he brings exactly the kind of energy and attitude we need in the garage — especially when things get difficult. I’ve raced with him before and we get along well, so I’m looking forward to working together. As for Nicolo moving to MotoGP? I’m not surprised at all — he’s already at a very high level and on a top bike. I wish him all the luck in the world.”
Axel Bassani: “Home pressure drives us forward — and Bimota belongs here”
For Axel Bassani, this is not just a home round — it’s a showcase for Bimota, the Italian marque racing on home soil in only its second full WorldSBK season.
“Every race feels special, but when you’re racing at home, it’s different. There’s a little extra pressure because you want to do well in front of family, friends, and the team — especially since Bimota is an Italian brand. We want to make them proud. Magny‑Cours was hard — from Friday I couldn’t find the feeling I’m used to. We’ve had the same setup working well for five or six rounds, so I don’t know why it shifted, but we’ll use it to learn.
“Cremona isn’t our strongest track, but testing went well and we’re positive. To be second manufacturer in the championship in just our second year? That’s something to be proud of. We’ll keep pushing. And about the MotoGP riders coming over? They’re talented, but this class is tough — the level here is higher than people think.”
Tommy Bridewell: “Bruised ribs and all — I’m back fighting”
Tommy Bridewell had a wild weekend in France, crashing twice and hurting himself — but he’s determined to bounce back, and he’s confirmed his future with the Superbike Advocates team.
“Magny‑Cours started brilliantly — I felt right at home on the bike — but then I got overexcited and forced things. Two big shunts later and I had badly bruised ribs. It took me a while to get back to full training, but this week I’ve felt like myself again. That’s a huge relief.
“Re‑signing was the easiest decision I’ve made. I’ve built such a bond with this team — Lee believed in us and got this project onto the world stage, and now we’re heading into year two. I wear my heart on my sleeve and sometimes that gets me in trouble, but this team matches my passion. We want to prove people wrong and show what we’re capable of — starting right now.”
Yari Montella: “Third place is still ours to lose — no mistakes now”
Racing for Barni Spark Racing, based just down the road from the circuit, Yari Montella knows how much this weekend means locally.
“It’s special — everyone wants to be here, to support the team and the riders. It’s a little stressful, but it’s also the best feeling. We’re fighting to hold onto third in the championship, and with three rounds left there are still plenty of points up for grabs. We can’t afford slip‑ups. We’ll stay focused, race smart, and see where we stand on Sunday evening.”
Xavi Vierge: “We part as friends — but we need more to fight at the front”
Xavi Vierge and Pata Maxus Yamaha have agreed to go their separate ways at the end of the season, but the split is entirely amicable.
“It wasn’t the outcome we wanted — we haven’t achieved the targets we set ourselves — but we’ve worked well together from day one. Everyone made me feel welcome and we’ve found real speed at times. The problem is that in this paddock, speed alone isn’t enough — you need to be winning races, and we’re still some way off that. We’re finishing on great terms and we’re discussing what comes next, but it’s clear we need a different direction to get to where we want to be.”
Alvaro Bautista: “If I find my rhythm, the options will follow”
The future remains uncertain for Alvaro Bautista, but he’s focused on getting back to the form that saw him dominate the sport.
“Magny‑Cours gave me good feelings — we made progress. Testing here afterwards helped too. I’m taking it step by step. Last year we were on the podium in all three races here, so I know what’s possible, but every season is different. Nothing is confirmed for next year, so I’m concentrating on this weekend. If I can get back to fighting at the front, the rest will take care of itself. That’s the only thing I can control.”
Andrea Locatelli: “Home fans give me that extra push”
Andrea Locatelli is racing on home ground for the second time this year, and he’s looking forward to the support.
“Being back in Italy is always special, and Cremona feels a little closer to home. The fans give you that extra bit of energy. This season has been tough, but we’re working hard to move forward — the crew chief change was all about finding the right direction for both the rest of this year and 2027. Jack Miller joining us will be great — I’ve seen how hard he pushes at Suzuka and he brings real experience from MotoGP. He’ll push me, I’ll push him, and together we’ll get the bike where it needs to be.”
What’s at Stake
With three rounds remaining, the title could be all but decided this weekend. Bulega holds a commanding lead, but there are battles throughout the field — from third in the standings to manufacturer honours and 2027 seats — and every point counts. Action gets underway on Friday.
