Dutch WorldSBK Race 1: Dominant Nicolo Bulega wins in Assen

Full 2025 Dutch WorldSBK Race 1 Results – Nicolo Bulega dominated the opening superbike race at Assen to claim his fourth win of the season.

The Italian rider representing Aruba.it Racing Ducati showcased not only his raw speed but also his tactical prowess leading from the front and crossing the finish line with a commanding margin of 7.801 seconds over his nearest rival.

The 2025 Dutch WorldSBK Race 1 victory, achieved under the unpredictable skies that eventually cleared to reveal a sunlit track was a testament to Nicolo Bulega’s growing confidence and the technical excellence of his Ducati Panigale V4 R.

As the lights went out for Race 1 Bulega wasted no time asserting himself. Despite starting from second on the grid he launched off the line with precision immediately challenging pole sitter Sam Lowes and seizing the lead in the opening laps.

The Italian’s intent was clear: he was determined to control the race from the front. Behind him the field jostled for position with Andrea Locatelli (Pata Maxus Yamaha) and Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team Ducati) both making strong starts while Razgatlioglu settled into the leading group, eyeing an opportunity to strike.

The early laps were marked by intense battles throughout the field but the race’s first major incident occurred when Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) lost the front end of his machine.

In a dramatic turn, Bautista’s crash also took out pole-sitter Sam Lowes ending both riders’ races prematurely and eliminating two of the pre-race favorites from contention. This incident reshuffled the order and allowed Bulega to extend his advantage at the front as the chasing pack regrouped.

With clear air ahead Bulega settled into a relentless rhythm consistently lapping faster than his pursuers. His choice of the new Pirelli E0126 supersoft rear tire paired with the standard SC1 medium front delivered exceptional grip and stability, allowing Bulega to push the limits of his Ducati.

Only Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) opted for a different rear tire, choosing the standard SCX, while a handful of riders including Razgatlioglu and Lowes gambled on the harder SC2 front.

Behind Bulega, Andrea Locatelli emerged as the primary challenger. The Yamaha rider known for his smooth style and consistency managed to break free from the chasing group and set his sights on the leader.

However, Bulega’s pace was unassailable and Locatelli soon found himself focusing on consolidating second place rather than mounting a serious challenge for the 2025 Dutch WorldSBK Race 1 win. His efforts were rewarded with a well-earned podium marking a return to form for Yamaha at Assen.

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The battle for the final podium spot was one of the race’s highlights. Danilo Petrucci riding for the independent Barni Spark Racing Team Ducati demonstrated both patience and aggression.

After shadowing Toprak Razgatlioglu for much of the race Petrucci made his move in the closing stages executing a decisive pass with just two laps remaining. This maneuver not only secured Petrucci’s first podium of the 2025 season but also relegated Razgatlioglu to a frustrating fourth place.

Razgatlioglu, despite showing flashes of his trademark brilliance, struggled to maintain his early pace. The Turkish star who had started from the front row found himself unable to match the outright speed of the Ducatis and Yamahas in the latter stages.

Team HRC enjoyed a positive outing at Assen, with both Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge finishing inside the top six.

Lecuona led the Honda charge, crossing the line in fifth after a race-long tussle with his teammate. Vierge just 0.212 seconds behind secured sixth giving Honda a much-needed boost in the constructors’ standings.

The GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team also had reason to celebrate, as Dominique Aegerter and Remy Gardner finished seventh and eighth, respectively.

Local hero Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was a focal point for the Dutch fans. The BMW rider ran strongly in the early stages but struggled with tire degradation in the closing laps ultimately finishing ninth.

Rounding out the top ten was Scott Redding (MGM Bonovo Racing Ducati) who delivered a solid ride to finish as the top British rider.

Redding’s consistency and experience were evident as he navigated the challenges of the Assen circuit, fending off late-race pressure from Alex Lowes (Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team), who finished 11th after recovering from an early fall.

2025 Dutch WorldSBK Race 1 Results – Assen