Marco Bezzecchi
Nicolo Bulega is eyeing a MotoGP seat for the 2027 season, and he could potentially swap places with Franco Morbidelli.
The Ducati World Superbike star got his first taste of MotoGP when he stood in for Marc Marquez at the final two rounds of the 2025 season. Bulega finished P15 at Portimao and Valencia, which were the only points the factory Ducati team scored in Marquez’s absence.
Heading back to WSBK in 2026, where he is expected to win the title with Toprak Razgatlioglu joining MotoGP, Bulega is looking to follow his Turkish rival to the premier class next year.
Do you agree with Toprak Razgatlioglu that Nicolo Bulega deserves a MotoGP ride?
The MotoGP rider market has been heavily active for the 2027 season, with rumours suggesting that Pedro Acosta is set to join Ducati with Marquez.
It rules out a factory move for Bulega next year, but a seat in one of Ducati’s satellite teams could be available.
Nicolo Bulega could ‘swap’ seats with Franco Morbidelli and join VR46 in 2027
Bulega has long been linked with VR46, given his past connections to Valentino Rossi. With Fabio Di Giannantonio and Morbidelli out of contract in 2026, there could be a spot for the WSBK rider.
Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali says it will be difficult for Bulega to join MotoGP as it will be tough to convince a satellite team to take him on board. Now, it is being reported that he could join VR46 in 2027.
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A report from Motosprint states that it is ‘rumoured’ that Morbidelli and Bulega could ‘swap’ places next season, with the latter heading to MotoGP and the former going to WSBK.
There is ‘talk of Morbidelli as the future star of the Aruba.it Racing team’, where Bulega currently plies his trade in WSBK. A brand-new production bike could be a good move for the Italian and his career, while the team’s current star will get the MotoGP move that he has longed for.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Franco Morbidelli from net worth to career stats
Franco Morbidelli is heading into his ‘last season’ in MotoGP
As aforementioned, Morbidelli’s contract expires in 2026. He is facing pressure to retain his seat at VR46.
Rossi wants to see wins in 2027, which Morbidelli has not provided for the past two years on the GP24, arguably the best bike MotoGP has ever seen.
The Italian will keep the GP24 in 2026, which only adds to the pressure as he will surely be expected to win races on it this year. If he does not, it is hard to imagine him staying put beyond this season.
It is said that Morbidelli is entering his ‘last season’ in MotoGP in 2026. Bulega is waiting in the wings to replace him if he cannot improve his form.
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