Episode 585: Bulega's record setting year continues at Estoril

The weekend started with a ride out to the circuit led by the home hero Miguel Oliveira. The Portuguese star was born just 30 minutes from the Estoril Circuit and while he had a hat-trick of podiums at Portimao in Round 2 this was a special occassion for the BMW man. Having a corner named after him and being the star attraction for the weekend wasn't enough for Miguel; he enjoyed his best weekend since the Hungarian Round. The circuit was busier this year than previous years, more than 5000 extra tickets were sold in advance of the weekend, but unfortunately for Oliveira it was another weekend of Ducati domination.

Having been crowned the World Champion last time out Nicolo Bulega was back at his best to claim a hat-trick once again. The Italian rider, who joined us on Thursday's Paddock Notes show, is ready to cap off his WorldSBK career next weekend in Jerez by smashing more records. The most wins in a season, most points in a season and a host of other records are all his to claim.

There were plenty of other stories within the paddock with Alberto Surra's superb run of form continuing. The Motocorsa rookie finished third in all three races and looks increasingly comfortable with the expecations being placed on his shoulders. A new contract was confirmed in advance of the weekend but his Superpole Race performance showed his maturity. In Race 2 he pressured Alvaro Bautista into a mistake and a crash at Turn 1 but what does the future hold for Alvaro?