P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Full results from Friday practice for the 2026 Australian World Superbike season-opener at Phillip Island.
In the opening practice for the WorldSBK season opener at Phillip Island, 2026 title favorite Nicolo Bulega continued his pre-season testing dominance, setting the pace throughout FP1.
Bulega’s Aruba.it Ducati performance was impressive, with his fastest time achieved on the penultimate lap of a long 12-lap run, leaving his rivals trailing behind.
Sam Lowes of Marc VDS was the closest competitor to Bulega, albeit half a second adrift, followed by Axel Bassani and Yari Montella in the top four.
Garrett Gerloff led the Kawasaki charge in seventh, while Miguel Oliveira was the fastest BMW rider in ninth, and Xavi Vierge stood out as the leading Yamaha rider in 11th.
Unfortunately, Jake Dixon had to undergo surgery for multiple fractures in his hand and wrist after sustaining injuries during testing, leaving him sidelined alongside team-mate Somkiat Chantra.
The second practice session scheduled for later in the day promises more thrilling action on the track as the competition heats up at the 2026 Phillip Island World Superbike event.
