A season of unparalleled excellence begins where engineering mastery meets raw performance. The highly anticipated first testing session of the 2025 WorldSBK season unfolded at the iconic Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto, a track that has borne witness to the defining moments of racing history.

Here, amidst the capricious elements, the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team showcased not only the supreme capability of their machinery but also the artistry of their craft—an experience reserved for those who understand that true luxury is not simply owned, but felt.

Despite formidable weather conditions, the first day of testing was an exquisite display of resilience and precision. Nicolò Bulega, in a performance that reflected both mastery and unrelenting ambition, completed 77 laps, setting the benchmark with a blistering 1’38.731 in his time attack session.

His dominance was unequivocal, outpacing the closest competitor, Andrea Iannone, by over four-tenths of a second—a statement of intent for the season ahead.

Meanwhile, reigning World Champion Alvaro Bautista, known for his meticulous approach to performance refinement, dedicated himself to an exhaustive 83-lap session, the highest of any rider.

While the gusting winds introduced an additional layer of complexity, his relentless pursuit of perfection underscored the philosophy that defines Ducati: innovation forged through adversity.

With a measured approach, Bautista opted to refine his race strategy rather than focus on lap times, a testament to the team’s long-term vision of sustained dominance.

The second day of testing, veiled by the gentle mist of morning rain, remained untouched by the riders—a nod to the discretion and strategic prudence that separate the great from the merely fast. It is not only speed that defines champions but the wisdom to master every variable.

Jerez Test – A Stage for Excellence

Day 1 Highlights:
1 – N. Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’38.731
2 – A. Iannone (Ducati) 1’39.181 +0.450
3 – S. Redding (Ducati) 1’39.280 +0.549
4 – G. Gerloff (Kawasaki) 1’39.332 +0.601
5 – A. Bassani (Bimota) 1’39.463 +0.732
6 – D. Petrucci (Ducati) 1’39.548 +0.817
7 – X. Vierge (Honda) 1’39.916 +1.185
8 – A. Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) 1’40.135 +1.404
9 – S. Lowes (Ducati) 1’40.207 +1.476
10 – A. Lowes (Bimota) 1’40.270 +1.539

Voices of Precision and Passion

Nicolò Bulega (#11, Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
“Today was a vital moment in our preparation. It was essential to recapture the sensation we cultivated in November, and despite the challenges the wind presented, the bike responded with incredible precision. Each lap demanded my full attention—every trajectory required correction, every moment a lesson in refinement. But in the end, we delivered a statement. This first day of 2025 has set the tone for what is to come.”

Alvaro Bautista (#19, Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)
“The most important takeaway from today is that we had at least one session in dry conditions. We picked up right where we left off in Jerez last November, refining the details that will make the difference this season. The wind complicated our efforts, but these moments are what make perfection possible. This is only the beginning of our journey, and we continue forward with confidence.”

A Season Poised for Greatness

With this first test, Aruba.it Racing – Ducati reaffirms its position at the pinnacle of WorldSBK—where engineering ingenuity meets human determination. This is more than racing; it is a relentless pursuit of the extraordinary. The journey has begun, and for those who recognize the essence of true performance, the road ahead promises nothing less than history in the making.