The opening day of the 2026 WorldSBK season at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit unfolded much as expected, with pre-season favourite Nicolo Bulega stamping his authority on Friday practice…
The Aruba.it Racing Ducati rider topped both sessions and ended the day with a best lap of 1’28.858s, almost half a second clear of Alex Lowes, who led the chase aboard the impressive new Bimota KB998 Rimini superbike.
A red flag in FP2, caused by wildlife straying onto the circuit, curtailed late running and meant Bulega’s most telling work came via a strong and consistent nine-lap stint. The Italian has looked supremely comfortable all week and arrives at a circuit where he famously claimed a clean sweep of victories last season. Once again, he looks the rider to beat.
Lowes’ day was highlighted by genuine progress in the hotter afternoon conditions. Although a Turn 4 fall ended his session early, the Briton’s pace on long runs confirmed the potential of the Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team package. Team-mate Axel Bassani reinforced that promise with fourth fastest overall, keeping Bimota firmly in the WorldSBK spotlight.
Third fastest was Sam Lowes, despite a Turn 1 crash in FP2 for the ELF Marc VDS Racing Team rider. Lowes completed 33 laps across the day and emerged as the leading Independent Rider, showing consistent 1’29s pace whenever he was able to push.
The strength of the Independent Ducati squads was further underlined by Alvaro Bautista, Lorenzo Baldassarri and Yari Montella, who rounded out positions five through seven on the combined timesheets for the day.
A quietly impressive Friday came from Garrett Gerloff, ninth fastest for the Kawasaki WorldSBK Team. The American showed clear progress in his second season on the Kawasaki, helped by reuniting with long-time crew chief Les Pearson.
The all-new ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team rider line-up continued its learning curve, with Miguel Oliveira and Danilo Petrucci finishing tenth and twelfth respectively as they adapt to the BMW M 1000 RR. Full results for the day are here…
WorldSSP: Masia the man to beat ahead of home-hero Bayliss
In WorldSSP, momentum from testing carried straight into qualifying as Jaume Masia completed a perfect Friday by claiming the first Tissot Superpole of the season. The Orelac Racing Verdnatura rider secured pole position with a 1’32.115s lap, edging the field by 0.172s.
Australian fans had plenty to cheer about as Oli Bayliss delivered a career-best qualifying performance to line up second for PTR Triumph Factory Racing. Bayliss has been one of the standout riders all week and looks poised to challenge for race victory on home soil.
It was also a landmark session for a new manufacturer in the class, with Valentin Debise taking third on the grid aboard the ZXMOTO machine of ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros Racing. The Frenchman completed 20 laps and appears well-prepared for the Chinese brand’s WorldSSP race debut.
Fourth went to Can Oncu, now with Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing, while Bayliss’ team-mate Tom Booth-Amos salvaged fifth despite a heavy Turn 11 highside that brought out a red flag late in the session. With strong pace across both championships and local heroes well placed, Phillip Island is set for a fascinating opening weekend of racing. Full results for the day are here…
WorldSBK Phillip Island Friday Gallery
