Marco Bezzecchi
Nicolo Bulega has made it no secret that he wants to be on the MotoGP grid in 2027, but Ducati are not seeing things the same way.
The Italian got his first taste of MotoGP in 2025, replacing Marc Marquez for the final two races at Ducati and scoring two points – the only points the factory team scored on Sundays in the champion’s absence.
Do you agree with Toprak Razgatlioglu that Nicolo Bulega deserves a MotoGP ride?
Returning to World Superbikes in 2026, where he is the clear favourite for the title, Bulega is eyeing a full-time seat on the MotoGP grid next year. He is serving as Ducati’s test and reserve rider this year, playing a pivotal role in developing the 850cc bike for 2027.
But that could be as close as he gets to a MotoGP bike next year. The rider market has moved fast for 2027, and Ducati have different plans for Bulega’s future.
Ducati still want to keep Nicolo Bulega in World Superbikes in 2027
After two rounds of the 2026 WSBK championship, Bulega has won every race thus far. He already leads the standings by 56 points and is poised to win the title in Toprak Razgatlioglu’s absence.
Razgatlioglu hopes Bulega makes it to MotoGP, with the Turkish rider making his premier class debut this year with Pramac. The Italian is aiming to do just that in 2027, but Ducati do not seem keen to let him go.
A report from GPOne states that Bulega is set to test the 850cc MotoGP bike at Mugello in May. It will be his first taste of the machine as the Borgo Panigale outfit begin development for 2027.
This will no doubt spark more speculation about his future in MotoGP. But according to the report, Ducati still want to keep Bulega in WSBK.
The two parties have conflicting views, as the 26-year-old has a clear goal of reaching MotoGP in 2027. Ducati want him on their books next year in WSBK, but if Bulega is serious about moving to the Premier class, he is faced with leaving the manufacturer.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Nicolo Bulega from height to career
Nicolo Bulega’s 2027 MotoGP options are dwindling fast
The odds of Bulega joining a Ducati team in 2027 are now slim to none. A factory seat is off the table, with Marquez and Pedro Acosta signed.
VR46 is not realistic for Bulega either, with Fermin Aldeguer joining from Gresini and Fabio Di Giannantonio set to agree fresh terms. Nadia Padovani’s team is his only other option with Ducati, but Gresini want ‘nothing’ to do with Bulega.
If Ducati cannot offer Nicolo Bulega a MotoGP move for 2027, should he join a rival manufacturer?
They are looking at Daniel Holgado and Enea Bastianini for 2027, leaving the WSBK star without a ride with the Borgo Panigale outfit. Bulega’s manager has hinted at leaving Ducati to pursue other opportunities.
Bulega could be an option for Trackhouse in 2027 and could join the Aprilia project. However, he will need to move fast, as spots on the MotoGP grid are rapidly filling up.
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