Bold start: Transforming this 2026 Phillip Island WorldSBK update into a fresh, uniquely worded English version preserves every fact while offering clearer explanations and a few practical examples, making it easier for newcomers to follow. But here’s where it gets controversial: the exact session times and lap records can shift with new weather or on-track conditions, so readers should treat the day-by-day results as provisional until official confirmations are posted.
Rewritten Overview
The 2026 Phillip Island WorldSBK Test – Day 2 (Tuesday) wrapped up the second phase of the pre-season at Phillip Island in Australia, continuing the run of track sessions that alternate between WorldSBK and the Supersport World Championship (WSS) classes. The Tuesday schedule featured two main practice windows: Free Practice 3 from 09:10 to 11:10 and Free Practice 4 from 13:40 to 15:40.
Nicolo Bulega, the reigning title runner-up, reaffirmed his position as a frontrunner by leading the initial day’s pace, recording a best time of 1 minute 29.345 seconds. Following close behind were Axel Bassani (Bimota), Sam Lowes (Marc VDS), and Yari Montella (Barni Spark), each breaking the 1:30 barrier.
With the day finished, riders were set to return to the track only on Friday morning for the season-opening practice sessions at Phillip Island.
Day 2 Developments and Standings (FP4, Hour 1)
In the opening stretch of the final session, Axel Bassani initially led the times but Nicolo Bulega soon topped the overall test with a lap of 1:29.086, putting him ahead of Bassani by about 0.287 seconds. The best time from FP3 remained the week’s fastest overall thus far, held by Bulega.
The final hour saw strong performances from several riders, with Bassani narrowly in front of Bulega, followed by Sam Lowes and Lorenzo Baldassarri in the top five. Jake Dixon, Honda HRC, did not record a lap due to an early crash, while Stefano Manzi was cleared to continue after a morning red flag disruption.
Day 2 Results (Final FP4 – Hour 1)
- 1st: Axel Bassani (ITA) – Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team – 1:29.482
- 2nd: Nicolo Bulega (ITA) – Aruba.it – Ducati +0.249
- 3rd: Sam S. Lowes (GBR) – ELF Marc VDS Racing Team +0.290
- 4th: Yari Montella (ITA) – Barni Spark Racing Team +0.340
- 5th: Iker Lecuona (ESP) – Aruba.it – Ducati +0.386
- 6th: Alex Lowes (GBR) – Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team +0.478
- 7th: Garrett Gerloff (USA) – Kawasaki Team +0.604
- 8th: Lorenzo Baldassarri (ITA) – Team GoEleven +0.905
- 9th: Miguel Oliveira (POR) – ROKiT BMW Motorrad Team +0.935
- 10th: Andrea Locatelli (ITA) – Pata Maxus Yamaha +0.946
- 11th: Alberto Surra (ITA) – Motocorsa Ducati +0.962
- 12th: Xavi Vierge (ES) – Pata Maxus Yamaha +1.054
- 13th: Alvaro Bautista (ES) – Barni Spark Racing Team +1.122
- 14th: Danilo Petrucci (ITA) – ROKiT BMW Motorrad Team +1.256
- 15th: Remy Gardner (AUS) – GYTR GRT Yamaha Team +1.555
- 16th: Ryan Vickers (GBR) – Honda HRC +1.569
- 17th: Bahattin Sofuoglu (TR) – Motoxracing Team +1.644
- 18th: Tetsuta Nagashima (JPN) – Honda HRC +1.882
- 19th: Tarran Mackenzie (GBR) – MGM Optical Express Racing +2.163
- 20th: Stefano Manzi (ITA) – GYTR GRT Yamaha Team +2.327
- 21st: Mattia Rato (ITA) – Motoxracing Team +2.650
Notes: Bulega had already set the fastest Day 1 time of 1:29.345, with FP3 the day’s quickest so far at 1:28.880. The official track records still list the best lap at 1:27.916 by Bulega in 2024, and the fastest race lap at 1:28.564, also by Bulega, in 2024. A rider who fractured his wrist during an early crash (Jake Dixon) was confirmed to miss the season opener, while Manzi remained fit to continue.
Day 2 – Free Practice 3 Highlights
Nicolo Bulega topped the FP3 times again with a 1:28.880, while Montella and Bassani trailed closely in the next spots. The overall pace underlines Ducati’s ongoing strength at Phillip Island, though several riders from different manufacturers remain within striking distance.
Fastest FP3 Time: Nicolo Bulega, Ducati, 1:28.880. Fastest Day 1 Time: Nicolo Bulega, Ducati, 1:29.345.
Official Phillip Island WorldSBK Records remain as: Best lap 1:27.916 (Bulega, 2024); Fastest race lap 1:28.564 (Bulega, 2024).
Possible implications for the season: With Bulega leading on Day 2 and Bassani close in the final hour, competition is poised to be intense as teams head toward the season opener. The continued strength of Ducati and Kawasaki’s updated entries will be critical to watch, along with potential surprises from MotoGP-aligned teams stepping into WorldSBK.
Controversy Hook: With Jake Dixon sidelined, Honda HRC must rely on other riders to prove Honda’s competitiveness this season. Do you think Dixon’s absence will significantly affect Honda HRC’s championship prospects, or will other riders step up to fill the gap? Share your thoughts in the comments.
