Gresini will only take Nicolo Bulega for 2027 MotoGP season if Ducati pay them

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Gresini may be Nicolo Bulega’s only chance to ride a Ducati bike in MotoGP in 2027, and it all depends on the factory paying for his seat.

The World Superbikes star hopes to land a seat in the premier class for next season. However, Ducati want to keep Bulega in WSBK, with the Italian currently helping the team develop their 850cc bike with Michele Pirro for 2027.

His chances of landing a full-time seat are dwindling, with the factory team signing Pedro Acosta alongside Marc Marquez. VR46 are not an option either, with Fabio Di Giannantonio likely to join Fermin Aldeguer, leaving Gresini as his only option with Ducati.

Fermin Aldeguer and Alex Marquez are both expected to leave Gresini – Which riders should they sign to replace them in 2027?

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With Aldeguer out, Alex Marquez is also leaving Gresini as he looks set to join KTM. Nadia Padovani’s team are searching for an all-new rider line-up.

Daniel Holgado is a firm favourite to join Gresini, with Enea Bastianini also looking likely to join the team. Bulega is in the background, but his chances are fading unless Ducati step in.

Ducati would have to pay for Nicolo Bulega to join Gresini in 2027

It has been reported that Gresini do not want to sign Bulega unless he is the best option available. Holgado and Bastianini seem to be the most likely pairing for the team in 2027.

Bulega’s agent has hinted at leaving Ducati if they do not have a seat for him in MotoGP next season. However, the Borgo Panigale outfit could be his saving grace if they are serious about getting him on a Desmosedici.

As per MotoMatters, there is not a seat available at Ducati unless either Di Giannantonio at VR46 or Bastianini at Gresini – if he joins them that is – are dropped.

However, this depends on whether Ducati ‘pays for the seat rather than Gresini’. The factory would have to be without doubt that Bulega is ready for the step to MotoGP.

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

Maverick Vinales still ‘most likely’ to land KTM factory seat, Luca Marini could join Pramac

The MotoGP rider market has moved fast in 2026 as riders and teams look to tie down new contracts for next season. MotoMatters has shared more details about other potential moves among the grid.

At KTM, Maverick Vinales is ‘still the most likely’ rider to partner with Alex Marquez next year. It was widely reported that Top Gun would step up from Tech3 in 2027.

However, Vinales’ deal has been ‘suspended’ over his difficult start to the 2026 season. Brad Binder, as well as some Moto2 riders, could potentially be in contention, but the Spaniard is the top contender for the KTM seat.

Luca Marini lost the Yamaha seat to Ai Ogura, but the Honda rider, who is set to leave HRC, could still join the Iwata outfit. He is in contention for a seat at Pramac, with Toprak Razgatlioglu locked in for 2027.