Nicolo Bulega's incredible start to the 2026 WorldSBK season has left fans and experts in awe, but it's not the most dominant opening we've ever seen. In fact, Bulega's perfect record of six wins and two pole positions pales in comparison to the legendary Carl Fogarty's performance in 1995.
Fogarty, riding for Ducati, dominated the early stages of the 1995 season, winning four of the first six races. His closest competitor, Mauro Lucchiari, managed to beat him at Misano, but Fogarty's overall performance was exceptional. Despite Lucchiari's double win, he finished the season in ninth place, highlighting the sheer dominance of Fogarty's ride.
A Historical Perspective
The 1995 season saw Fogarty secure the title with an impressive 13 race wins and 20 podiums. His point haul in the first six races was an astonishing 93.3% of the maximum available, a record that still stands today. Bulega's perfect 124-point maximum this year is an impressive feat, but it falls just short of Fogarty's dominance.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the context of the two seasons. In 1995, the championship format included three races per round, whereas in 2026, it's just two. This means Bulega's achievement is even more remarkable, as he's managed to secure the maximum points in a slightly different and arguably more challenging format.
The Impact of Team Dynamics
Bulega's teammate, Iker Lecuona, has had a solid start to the season, but he's already trailing by six points shy of one round's worth of points. This gap, despite being smaller than Lucchiari's in 1995, highlights the command Bulega has over the field. It's a testament to his skill and consistency, and a potential warning sign for Lecuona and the rest of the grid.
Personally, I think Bulega's performance this season is a sign of a new era in WorldSBK. His dominance, while not quite matching Fogarty's, is a reminder of the incredible talent that can emerge in this sport. It's an exciting time for fans, as we witness history in the making.
A New Challenge
As we look ahead, the question remains: can Bulega maintain this level of performance throughout the season? History suggests it's a tall order, but with the right strategy and continued focus, he might just rewrite the record books. It's a challenge I, for one, am eager to see him take on.
