Nicolo Bullega has seized the headlines, taking pole position and emerging as the man to beat in the Race of Champions – just as Ducati celebrates its glorious 100th anniversary. The Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli will be the center of anticipation this Sunday, where the Italian powerhouse’s centenary will collide with a star-studded display on identical Panigale V4 S machines.
In a scene set for drama, Bulega—the current leader of the World Superbike Championship—will launch from the front row, setting the fastest lap in Saturday’s blistering qualifying session. Joining them are Lorenzo Baldassarri and reigning MotoGP champion Peco Bagnaia, while six-time world champion Marc Marquez faces a mammoth task from twelfth on the grid. This unique event brings together legends of MotoGP, WorldSBK and global racing series in celebration of Ducati’s centenary, a legacy that was born on July 4, 1926 and is now roaring into its second century.
This is no ordinary exhibition. The Race of Champions has become the crown jewel of World Ducati Week 2026, an unforgettable spectacle where every rider – regardless of their championship pedigree – will have to prove themselves on class machinery. For Ducati, this year’s edition holds an emotional significance, with the company’s past and future converged in Misano. The stakes are high: it’s about legacy, glory and the relentless pursuit of racing supremacy. Rumors are also swirling, with speculation rife that Bulega’s Superbike heroics could be his ticket to a MotoGP seat next season. The pressure is stifling, the anticipation electric.
Ducati Corse’s tough team manager Davide Tardozzi was tight-lipped when asked about the atmosphere and the company’s achievements. “Ducati was born on July 4, 1926, so today is our birthday. Seeing so many Ducatis, feeling the love for this brand, gives us great satisfaction,” Tardozzi told Sky, his pride evident. He lauded the new era of connection between riders and fans, declaring, “I have never seen our riders give so many autographs and take so many selfies in the last two days. Our willingness to connect is matched only by the affection of our fans.”
When pressed for a prediction, Tardozzi surprised the paddock by naming Bulaga as his favourite, even more than two-time MotoGP king Peco Bagnaia. Tardozzi declared, “I see Nicolo Bulega as the favourite, even though Peco has been very fast in some training tests with his Panigale.” He further fueled the speculation, hinting that Bulega’s WorldSBK results could soon propel him up to MotoGP: “I think what he is achieving in Superbike deserves a MotoGP opportunity next year, and we expect that. But riders always surprise us.”
Bulega himself – fresh from pole clinching – was all smiles but kept his cards close to his chest regarding his MotoGP future. “It’s beautiful, I’m happy. The bike is a lot of fun and I think it’s improved a lot over the last two years. To be honest, I wish the sessions were a little longer because I was enjoying myself,” he admitted. As far as racing goes, he’s hungry for redemption: “It’s a race to have fun, but once we put the helmet on, we become racers and want to do well. Two years ago, everything was perfect until the last corner, so let’s see if we can make up for it this time.” On the rumours, Bulega said: “We are trying to find the best solution for me and my career. It makes me very happy that people are talking about it.”
The grid is a key part of Ducati’s global racing elite. Along with Bagnaia, Marquez, Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli, fans will see Alvaro Bautista, Yari Montella, Alberto Surra, Tommy Bridwell, Tarran McKenzie, Michele Pirro and more – each a champion in his own right, each desperate to prove dominance on the same instrument. With every rider riding the same Panigale V4 S, the playing field has never been more level – or the competition more fierce.
As the signature event of World Ducati Week 2026 gets underway, all eyes are on the Bulega. If he wins, his star will shine even brighter, perhaps propelling him to the heights of MotoGP. But with legends and new players eager to win, this Race of Champions could bring setbacks, heartbreaks and perhaps a new chapter in Ducati’s continuing quest for racing immortality. One thing’s for sure: the world will be watching, and on Ducati’s 100th birthday, there’s no room for second best.
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