Ducati have outlined their ‘goal’ for Nicolo Bulega as he develops Marc Marquez’s 2027 bike

Add as preferred source on Google

Nicolo Bulega will join Ducati’s MotoGP project as a test and reserve rider for 2026, having made his debut in the premier class at the end of 2025.

The Italian replaced the injured Marc Marquez at the final two rounds at Portimao and Valencia, as well as competing in the post-season test. Despite only riding the GP25 days before his MotoGP debut in a private test, Bulega managed to score points by finishing P15 in both races.

While he had limited experience, Bulega’s data showed his debut was better than expected, as his lap times were faster as the Portuguese GP went on. What is even more astonishing is that Bulega scored all of Ducati’s points on Sunday in his two appearances following Marquez’s injury in Indonesia.

After finishing eighth in the Valencia test at the end of the season, the 26-year-old will now be looking ahead to the 2026 WSBK season and his new role as a MotoGP reserve rider at Ducati.

Ducati’s ‘goal’ for Nicolo Bulega is to help Michele Pirro develop the GP27 in a ‘minimum’ of three outings in 2026

The 2026 MotoGP season may be around the corner, but the manufacturers are already looking ahead to the 2027 campaign. The new technical regulations are set to shake up the pecking order, and Ducati will be determined to stay in front.

Subsequently, the Borgo Panigale outfit will begin testing with the GP27, with test rider Michele Pirro taking on most of the work. As per a report from GPOne, Bulega ‘will have to wait’ for his first outing, but it could come ‘before the summer’.

Ducati’s ‘goal’ is to leave the ‘big job’ to Pirro and add Bulega for ‘detail and refinement work’ for the bike. The team have already ‘contractually agreed’ that the Italian will get a ‘minimum’ of three outings on the GP27.

Further appearances will be decided in due course. It is a vital role for Bulega, as he will be tasked with developing a bike that Marquez hopes will take him to glory under the new rules.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Nicolo Bulega from height to career

Could Nicolo Bulega join the MotoGP grid in 2027?

With Bulega’s role in 2026, it could put him in the shop window for a full-time seat in 2027, with there being multiple seats available on the MotoGP rider market.

Bulega has addressed his chances of a ‘dream’ MotoGP move to the factory Ducati team. The 26-year-old wants to deserve a transfer to the premier class if he is afforded an opportunity.

Jorge Lorenzo says Bulega will join a Ducati satellite team in 2027. Gresini and VR46 would be great fits for the Italian if the Borgo Panigale outfit do not want to throw him straight into the factory outfit.

VR46 is Bulega’s obvious destination, given his connection to Valentino Rossi’s academy. Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli are out of contract in 2026, opening the door for the WSBK star to make a move.