Marco Bezzecchi
Ducati World Superbike star Nicolo Bulega is eyeing a move to MotoGP in 2027, with Ducati being his main priority.
The Italian has been with Ducati since he joined the Supersport World Championship in 2022, winning it in 2023. Bulega then moved to WSBK, finishing runner-up in 2024 and 2025, and he is considered to be the favourite for the title in 2026.
Along with his Superbike commitments, Bulega will serve as Ducati’s test and reserve rider in MotoGP, helping to develop their 850cc bike with his knowledge of Pirelli tyres. It is all part of his plan to get a full-time seat in 2027.
Do you agree with Toprak Razgatlioglu that Nicolo Bulega deserves a MotoGP ride?
The 26-year-old made his premier class debut in 2025, standing in for the injured Marc Marquez at the final two rounds in Portugal and Valencia. Finishing an impressive P15 in both races, he has put himself on the MotoGP rider market for 2027.
Michele Pirro says Ducati should look at Bulega for the future, with the WSBK rider eyeing a factory seat. Ducati have ‘promised’ Bulega a 2027 seat within their operation, but he could also look elsewhere on the grid.
Nicolo Bulega’s manager hints that they will assess other options in MotoGP if he cannot join Ducati in 2027
Rumours are suggesting that Marquez will partner with Pedro Acosta at Ducati next year, ruling out a factory move for Bulega. Naturally, the attention turns to the satellite teams, with VR46 being the logical option, given his close ties to Valentino Rossi.
Gresini are also an option for Bulega, as Fermin Aldeguer’s injury could present him with an opportunity to get more MotoGP experience. Furthermore, with Alex Marquez looking to join KTM, there would be a seat available in 2027.
However, if a move to Ducati is not possible next year, manager Alberto Martinelli has hinted that he will assess other options for Bulega in 2027.
He told GPOne: “Yes, let’s say there may be possibilities. We need to understand which ones are really concrete, including those that are, let’s say, high-performing, following the logic I mentioned earlier, that is, in some way going there.
You’re Nicolo Bulega: Where would YOU go if you cannot join Ducati in MotoGP in 2027?
“Nicolo knows this, for one, let’s say, for one, such continuity also in the relationship with Ducati, for the results that have been achieved, also for the technical issue, right?
“In some way Nicolo knows the bike, he knows the philosophy, he already had the experience last year in the last two races replacing Marquez, and in some ways, he has seen what the Ducati world is like in MotoGP.
“To give, let’s say, a shake-up at this stage by changing bikes and teams certainly doesn’t help his debut. Then why not, we’ll evaluate it. Let’s say that for us, the priority is on Ducati. Let’s see what Ducati tells us, in short, in some way.”
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Ducati know it will be tough to sign Nicolo Bulega in 2027
Former WSBK rival Toprak Razgatlioglu thinks Bulega would be ‘much better’ than him in MotoGP, as his ‘precise riding style’ suits the premier class more. He wants to see the Italian join him on the grid next year.
But Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali has admitted that signing Bulega will be ‘complicated’ in 2027. He says that the Borgo Panigale outfit will have to convince their satellite teams to sign him, inadvertently ruling out joining the factory team.
Gresini could be a realistic option, while Rossi’s ‘Plan B’ for VR46 does not feature Bulega, but rather young talents Fermin Aldeguer and David Alonso. He could well be faced with needing to find another manufacturer.
Given his previous connections in Moto3, KTM could be an option through Tech3, with Alex Marquez and Maverick Vinales set to join the factory team. Aprilia, Honda and Yamaha could also have spots available, but Bulega’s main intention is to stay at Ducati.
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