The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship has arrived at the Circuito de Jerez - Angel Nieto, Andalucia, for the final round of the 2026 campaign. Thursday's debriefs ahead of the Pirelli Spanish Round delivered a mix of nostalgia, heavy evaluation, and anticipation as riders prepare to close out the year.
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) reflected on his journey ahead of his final weekend with the team. "It’s very emotional as it’s my last weekend here with WorldSBK and with my team," Bulega said. Having tested his first WorldSSP machine here back in November 2021, he noted, "after several years, we now close the circle here in WorldSBK. It’s been an amazing five years." He hopes for a strong finish to celebrate his birthday on Friday.
Me and Sam are always joking about who’s in front. This year, he’s done well and had a lot more podiums than me,
Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team) evaluated his tough home round prospects. "It's been a really, really tough season for me, for my team, because we didn't achieve the target we wanted to," Bautista admitted. Meanwhile, Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) faces his final event as a factory rider with the squad. "I’m feeling good. I’m honestly happy to be here at Jerez, where we started our journey with BMW last November," Petrucci shared, noting that everything remains open for his future.
Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) addressed his history with the venue. "I know it’ll be a hard weekend for me, because I always struggle a lot at Jerez and I’ve had a lot of injuries here," Lecuona stated, rating his 2026 season a 9 out of 10 despite the challenges. Over at Pata Maxus Yamaha, Xavi Vierge spoke about his home finale. "It’s been a very difficult year for us," Vierge said, explaining that despite the lack of consistent speed, "everyone has done a very good job. That's why it feels painful because there's nothing we had left to try."
Alberto Surra (Motocorsa Racing) arrives on the back of three podiums at Estoril. "At Estoril I had my best feeling of the season so far," Surra said, acknowledging that Jerez is a difficult circuit for his riding style. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) looked ahead to his duel with twin brother Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team). "Me and Sam are always joking about who’s in front. This year, he’s done well and had a lot more podiums than me," Alex Lowes said, adding with a grin, "I’ll try to beat him… otherwise it’ll be a long winter with him talking in my ear!"
Finally, freshly crowned Best Independent Rider Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) discussed his 53-point advantage over P4 in the standings. "I feel a bit surreal after Estoril, where we won the Best Independent Riders’ title," Montella said. "Last year, we finished in P18. This year, we’re fighting for P3. It’s something unbelievable."
