Nicolo Bulega privately fears that replacing injured Marc Marquez at Ducati could ‘jeopardise’ his career

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Ducati are ramping up their efforts to get Nicolo Bulega onto a MotoGP bike in 2025 after Marc Marquez’s injury has ruled him out for the rest of the season.

Marquez needs until early January to be 100% fit, according to Ducati sporting director Mauro Grassilli. That leaves the Borgo Panigale outfit needing to replace him for the final two races and the post-season test at Valencia.

Test rider Michele Pirro replaced Marquez at the Australian GP and will stand in again at Sepang this weekend. However, that was not Ducati’s original plan.

World Superbike rider Nicolo Bulega has been rumoured as an option to replace the Ant of Cervera. Bulega turned down Ducati for the Malaysian GP, feeling that a one-off appearance would not benefit him.

Nicolo Bulega fears a poor performance as Marc Marquez’s replacement could ‘jeopardise’ his career

However, the Italian seems to have had a change of heart. Bulega has U-turned his decision to replace Marquez, as long as he can test the GP25 beforehand.

Ducati have confirmed that the 2025 WSBK runner-up will test their MotoGP bike later this month. They want him to replace Marquez in the final two rounds at Portimao and Valencia.

However, according to a report from Moto Matters, Bulega privately has fears about replacing Marquez. He is worried that a ‘poor outing’ on the GP25 could ‘jeopardise’ his chances of being offered a full-time seat.

Ducati’s MotoGP machine will be a whole new bike for Bulega compared to WSBK. He will have to get used to Michelin tyres, with Pirelli not coming to the premier class until 2027.

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Ducati test rider Michele Pirro offers advice to Nicolo Bulega ahead of possible MotoGP opportunity

It is a daunting prospect for the Italian to replace Marquez, especially on a bike that is unfamiliar to him. But Ducati will look to do everything they can to best prepare him.

Speaking to Moto.It, test rider Pirro offered his advice to Bulega. He says that he needs to take his time with his opportunity in MotoGP.

“For now, we’ll see. I’ll do my part, there’s no need to rush because, ultimately, MotoGP isn’t easy. You have to give it time because everyone who’s come along has had the time,” said Pirro.

“What we saw Bayliss do in 2006 is part of history, but right now I think it’s something a little unrepeatable.”