Nicolo Bulega took two podium finishes and closed to inside 13 factors of the championship lead on the WorldSBK Italian Spherical.
Nonetheless, there was one key space the place Bulega was shedding out to his teammate, two-times WorldSBK Champion Alvaro Bautista.
“I knew that Alvaro [Bautista] was very quick, particularly within the final laps,” Bulega mentioned after Race 2 at Cremona Circuit.
“He’s at all times quick, however particularly with used tyres he’s higher than me for the time being, as a result of he has extra expertise, he has a unique driving fashion.
“So, on the finish of the race, he at all times has a greater tyre than me, he can save higher than me.
“So, I knew that. I attempted to make a spot at first, however on the finish he caught me, he handed me. He was very quick.”
Bulega then paid tribute to his compatriot, Danilo Petrucci, who received all three races at Cremona.
“Additionally Danilo [Petrucci] was very quick,” he mentioned. “Congratulations to him as a result of at first I attempted to stick with him, however I take too many dangers and was tough to stick with him, and likewise with Alvaro when he handed me with two laps to go.
“So, I’m pleased with this third place, when Alvaro handed me I feel that 16 factors are higher than nothing.”
These 16 factors got here after six within the Superpole Race and 20 in Race 1, which means Bulega is now 13 factors off the championship lead earlier than Aragon subsequent weekend. This regardless of the Italian not getting on particularly nicely with the circuit format at Cremona.
“I’m completely satisfied as a result of this format will not be so good for my driving fashion,” Bulega mentioned. “So, I’ve to suppose loads after I experience, each nook I’ve to suppose what I’ve to do, so I’m not free to experience.
“I knew earlier than coming right here that this could be a tough monitor for me and [it] was tough. However ultimately, two podiums in a tough weekend is actually good, so I’m completely satisfied. Now are coming three circuits that I like loads, so I hope to be even stronger.”