The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship has descended upon the Cremona Circuit for Round 10 of the 2026 campaign. This EICMA Italian Round could prove to be a title-deciding weekend, but the paddock is buzzing with plenty of other battles and the ever-looming scramble for 2027 seats.
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) arrives with his future in MotoGP confirmed and a title within reach on home soil. Reflecting on his journey, Bulega said, “It’s a dream. I was very happy in WorldSBK, but my career started in Moto3 in the other paddock, and then, for some reasons, I changed and came here.” He added, “WorldSBK and my team gave me back my smile. When a rider is happy, it’s easier to get results. I’ll remember my time here as special.” Bulega also touched on a recent 150km/h test crash at Arrabbiata 2 for MotoGP, noting, “Fortunately I’m okay. It’s an insane machine, but we keep pushing.” Meanwhile, teammate Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati) feels confident about the venue, noting, “It’s a track I like a lot... We got some good information for us and a new base.”
I had some quite badly bruised ribs, and it took me a while to be able to get back to training to full ability. But this past week, I've been able to get back to where I'd like to be,
Over at ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, Miguel Oliveira is aiming to bounce back after a tough time out. “We come here with a positive attitude and mindset after the difficult weekend we had at Magny-Cours,” Oliveira said, looking ahead to working alongside a competitive new garage neighbor. It is also a massive weekend for the locals, with Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) embracing the pressure of an Italian round for an Italian brand. “Every race is special, but when you race at your home, you feel something different,” Bassani admitted after a difficult feeling at Magny-Cours.
Tommy Bridewell (Superbike Advocates) is relishing his newly confirmed contract extension after a brutal couple of crashes last time out. “I had some quite badly bruised ribs, and it took me a while to be able to get back to training to full ability. But this past week, I've been able to get back to where I'd like to be,” Bridewell shared. Over at Barni Spark Racing Team, Yari Montella is feeling the stress and excitement of a home round located close to the team's base, while teammate Alvaro Bautista is focusing strictly on the present while he works to recover his feeling on the bike.
Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) opened up about parting ways with his squad at the end of the year, stating, “We decided to split, but there's nothing more I can do. I’m so pleased with the team's words.” His stablemate Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) is hoping the local crowd will provide an extra spark. “The support that I will have here from the fans gives me a little extra motivation to push hard and do my best,” Locatelli stated, looking toward both the final stretch of the season and preparations for 2027.
