IDM champion Lukas Tulovic has completed his first day in the Superbike World Championship. The 25-year-old from Baden-Württemberg, riding for Triple M Racing Ducati Frankfurt, is making the most of the first wildcard opportunity of his life at the Jerez circuit in Spain and, after his debut run, is just one and a half seconds behind the leaders.
Lukas Tulovic was provided with a Panigale V4R by the Ducati test team. He saw it a few days ago during a visit to Ducati Corse in Italy. He rode the “Red Diva” for the first time today, finishing 19th in the second free practice session. “I’m happy with today’s result,” Tulovic said, “and there’s still room for improvement.”
For the nine-time IDM race winner, a dream is coming true this weekend. “Racing against Toprak Razgatlioglu and Alvaro Bautista is just amazing. And I have the chance to prove myself in this environment.”
Tulo congratulated the two-time world champion from Turkey on his 29th birthday yesterday. He exchanged a few words with Iker Lecuona, whom he knows from their time together in Moto2. There isn’t much time left for anything else. “We’re busy working and analyzing data on the computer, and then it’s already time for physical therapy again. The day flies by,” says Tulovic.
There are no signs of tension for the Ducati rider with start number 33. “I’m a little excited, but I don’t feel any pressure because I don’t have anything to prove. Of course, I’ve set myself some goals, but that’s a different matter.” For Tulo, putting his best foot forward at the World Superbike Championship season finale is a matter of pride. Two races will be held this weekend at the 4.423-kilometer Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto. A total of 13 turns—eight right-handers and five left-handers—await riders on each lap.