Marco Bezzecchi
He may have only had three public outings on a MotoGP bike in 2025, but Nicolo Bulega sure made an impression in the premier class with Ducati.
The 2025 World Superbike runner-up replaced the injured Marc Marquez for the final two rounds at Portimao and Valencia. Bulega finished P15 in both races, scoring a point, although it can be argued that those results were fortuitous due to several crashes.
Nevertheless, the Italian impressed on the GP25 as he was quickly on the pace of his rivals. Rather bizarrely, Bulega scored all of Ducati’s points on Sunday after Marquez’s injury, as teammate Francesco Bagnaia retired from the final five races.
Naturally, some mistakes were made, as seen in Portugal when the 26-year-old ran wide while chasing Miguel Oliveira for 14th. After calling himself a ‘disaster’, Davide Tardozzi calmed Bulega down in the garage, highlighting the confidence Ducati have in the WSBK star.
He will return to Superbikes in 2026, but will remain in MotoGP in some regard as he becomes Ducati’s test and reserve rider. Many people are already tipping Bulega for a permanent seat in 2027, and if he does move across, his destination is obvious.
VR46 is Nicolo Bulega’s obvious destination in MotoGP in 2027
Bulega is likely to stay in the Ducati setup if he moves to MotoGP in 2027, unless another manufacturer can convince him otherwise. The MotoGP rider market is set to be unpredictable next year, but the Italian will certainly have his eye on the Borgo Panigale outfit.
A move to the factory Ducati team seems unlikely, and a rash decision, given his limited experience and the amount of talent they already have. Fermin Aldeguer, Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio, as well as outsiders Pedro Acosta and Fabio Quartararo, are all options.
Bagnaia is under pressure at Ducati, while Marc Marquez’s position is untouchable, unless he decides to retire. Of course, the factory team may make no changes for 2027, which leaves satellite outfits Gresini and VR46 for Bulega – the latter makes the most sense.
Francesco Bagnaia on his MotoGP future
Owned by MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi, the 26-year-old came through his VR46 academy, racing for the team in Moto2 until they parted ways in 2020. Bulega denies there being a feud with Rossi, suggesting that their relationship is still strong.
Therefore, a reunion with the seven-time MotoGP champion would be perfect, given the familiar environment and less pressure with a satellite team. Of course, it would depend on VR46 still running with Ducati bikes – their contract expires in 2027.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Nicolo Bulega from height to career
Franco Morbidelli should be under pressure at VR46 in 2026
Jorge Lorenzo says Bulega will join a Ducati satellite team in 2027, with the manufacturer preparing for his arrival. Given his connections to Rossi, VR46 would be the ideal destination, especially as both of their current riders are out of contract in 2026.
Di Giannantonio has a factory spec bike for next season, while Franco Morbidelli will step onto the GP25 after two years on the GP24. The 30-year-old had a frustrating campaign in 2025, and should be under pressure to keep his seat.
Two seasons on arguably the most dominant MotoGP bike of all time have yielded no wins. Morbidelli has frequently found himself in trouble with the stewards and other riders, and it is something he must clean up if he wants to stay in the premier class.
Morbidelli was linked with WSBK during his contract negotiations with VR46 in 2025. While he is secure in MotoGP for 2026, a straight swap with Bulega could be on the cards if he fails to impress next season.
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