Marco Bezzecchi
Nicolo Bulega is exploring his options as he eyes a MotoGP seat in 2027. The World Superbikes star could leave Ducati, with Trackhouse being identified as an alternative.
Bulega wants to make a permanent switch to the premier class next year, having made his debut at the end of 2025, replacing the injured Marc Marquez. With his contract at Aruba expiring in 2026, he is keeping his options open.
A move to the factory Ducati team is off the table, with Marquez and Pedro Acosta signed for 2027. VR46 does not seem likely either, with Fermin Aldeguer locked in for next year, and it is understood that Fabio Di Giannantonio will retain his seat.
If Ducati cannot offer Nicolo Bulega a MotoGP move for 2027, should he join a rival manufacturer?
Daniel Holgado is set to join Gresini and move up from Moto2 in 2027, leaving one seat vacant with Aldeguer and Alex Marquez both out the door. However, Gresini want ‘nothing’ to do with Bulega, due to his lack of experience.
Bulega’s manager has hinted at a Ducati exit at the end of 2026. They are keen to join MotoGP by any means necessary, and with all possible avenues at the Borgo Panigale outfit blocked, they are looking elsewhere in the paddock.
Nicolo Bulega could fight Enea Bastianini for a seat at Trackhouse in 2027
The MotoGP rider market has moved fast in 2026 as riders scramble to secure contracts for 2027. Few seats remain, but Bulega does still have some options on the table.
Journalist Giovanni Zamagni identified Trackhouse as one alternative on his #ZamTube YouTube channel. Ai Ogura has joined Yamaha for 2027, while Raul Fernandez’s future is currently unknown.
Bulega could be an option for the American team, but Zamagni says that he could battle Enea Bastianini for the seat. The Italian is also linked with Gresini as he looks to find a way out of KTM.
“Nicolò does have alternatives,” said Zamagni. “First and foremost, Aprilia Trackhouse. This would also be an excellent alternative because Aprilia is a very competitive bike, and Bulega is precisely the kind of rider someone like Davide Brivio likes.
“Developing young riders, nurturing them, and taking a chance on riders. So, he would certainly find a very favourable environment, making him a great alternative. In this case, too, he could be competing for that spot with Enea Bastianini.”
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Nicolo Bulega from height to career
Gresini are unlikely to field two rookies in MotoGP in 2027
Zamagni adds that, while he does not think that Gresini would have to pay Bulega’s salary if he joined the team, the journalist deems it unlikely that the team will run with two rookies in 2027. Holgado and Bulega, while talented, have little to no experience.
“We have seen how riders who have come through the Gresini team have consistently achieved great results,” he said. “Every rider who has come through the Gresini team since 2022 has won at least one Grand Prix, so it is certainly a top-class team.
Do you agree with Toprak Razgatlioglu that Nicolo Bulega deserves a MotoGP ride?
“However, it is unlikely that Team Gresini will field two rookies in MotoGP. The advantage of signing Bulega is that, in my opinion, the contract would be directly with Ducati, so Gresini would not have the financial burden of Nicolò’s salary.
“And the other point in Bulega’s favour is that Ducati would be keen to put Bulega in that team, so in short, two points in Bulega’s favour. There are many riders in the running for that spot, including Enea Bastianini. It’s not easy for Nicolo, but that’s the situation at Ducati.”
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
