Michele Pirro Commends Ducati WorldSBK Riders Andrea Iannone and Nicolo Bulega for their Strong Start in 2024.
Nicolo Bulega made a grand entrance into WorldSBK by clinching victory in the season’s opening race, becoming the first WorldSSP champion to win on his Superbike debut.
Meanwhile, Andrea Iannone secured third place initially, later finishing in fourth position in the weekend’s final race.
Both Bulega and Iannone showcased their immense potential during the recent Catalunya test, leaving a strong impression.
Bulega asserted his dominance by setting the pace with a new unofficial lap record, sending a clear message to his competitors. Meanwhile, Iannone had a solid second day, finishing the test in an impressive fourth position.
Michele Pirro, who was also present at the test, praised Iannone’s performance, saying, “I believe Andrea hasn’t forgotten how to ride a bike over the years. He has maintained that MotoGP style that suits the Panigale perfectly, allowing him to display his full potential.”
“I am confident that in Barcelona, we will once again see him battling at the front for top positions, despite the track’s unique challenges due to tyre wear.”
In the midst of last season, it became evident that Ducati was earnestly considering moving Michael Rinaldi out of the factory team.
While Axel Bassani was considered by some as the likely candidate to take over the seat, Ducati’s top executives surprised many by choosing Bulega, who has certainly lived up to expectations in his brief stint in WorldSBK.
Currently sitting second in the world championship standings ahead of the upcoming Catalan round, Pirro had this to say about Bulega:
“I believe Nicolo is performing exceptionally well. His victory in Australia was impressive, and throughout the winter, he consistently proved his speed in various conditions.
“He possesses a distinct riding style compared to Bautista, demonstrating a more well-rounded approach.
“Yet, he has displayed remarkable effectiveness aboard the Panigale V4, showcasing the bike’s capability to perform well with various riding styles.”
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