Marco Bezzecchi
Claudio Domenicali has revealed that Nicolo Bulega almost left Ducati in his pursuit of a MotoGP seat.
The Italian got his first taste of the premier class last year when he replaced Marc Marquez for the final two races. Scoring a point in each, he is serving as Ducati’s test rider in 2026, whilst also competing in World Superbikes.
If Ducati cannot offer Nicolo Bulega a MotoGP move for 2027, should he join a rival manufacturer?
Bulega has won every race so far, grabbing clean sweeps at Phillip Island, Portimao and Assen. He is the obvious favourite for the championship after Toprak Razgatlioglu joined MotoGP, and the Ducati rider wants to follow him in 2027.
The 26-year-old has made no secret of his desire to be on the MotoGP grid next year and has even hinted he could do so with another manufacturer. Ducati boss Domenicali admits that they ‘nearly lost’ Bulega as he eyes a seat in 2027.
Claudio Domenicali says Ducati ‘nearly lost’ Nicolo Bulega as he addresses 2027 negotiations
Ducati want to keep Bulega in WSBK, but the Italian wants to be in MotoGP next season. His opportunities with the Borgo Panigale outfit are limited.
The factory team will be made up of Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta, while VR46 are set to sign Fermin Aldeguer and retain Fabio Di Giannantonio. Gresini are not interested in Bulega unless Ducati pay for his seat and they believe that he is the best option.
Speaking via Corriere Romagna, CEO Domenicali addressed the team’s plans for Bulega moving forward, admitting that he nearly left the team over his future.
“Well, as for the 2027 riders, it’s not all settled yet, so we’ll have to wait for a few things to fall into place,” he said. “Well, Bulega is a rider I rate very highly, a brilliant lad.
“We nearly lost him, but if he can’t find a seat, we all have to work together and try to do our best. He’s got a commitment today with us in Superbike, he’s committed to being a test rider, and we’ll see what we can do together for the future.”
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Nicolo Bulega from height to career
Nicolo Bulega is set for talks with multiple Ducati rivals
With a seat at Ducati and their satellite teams unlikely in 2027, Bulega and his manager, Alberto Martinelli, have made it clear that they will look elsewhere.
The MotoGP rider market has moved fast for next season, with limited options available on the grid. Bulega needs to act now to secure a potential move.
Martinelli confirmed that Bulega will speak to Trackhouse at the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend. The American team are yet to decide their rider line-up in 2027, with Ai Ogura joining Yamaha.
Aprilia want to sign Bulega in 2027, and the Noale outfit offers the perfect alternative to Ducati. They are currently the manufacturer to beat, with Marco Bezzecchi winning the opening three races of the 2026 season.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
