Ducati are ignoring an obvious solution to get Nicolo Bulega onto the 2027 MotoGP grid

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Nicolo Bulega is effectively proving too good for World Superbikes, but there is no clear opening for the Italian within Ducati’s MotoGP roster.

Bulega has won the last 16 WSBK races, blitzing the championship’s record. With a perfect 248 points on the board, he’s already 82 points clear of teammate Iker Lecuona.

Barring injury, the championship is as good as over. Toprak Razgatlioglu moved to MotoGP as the WSBK champion, but Bulega only rates his chances at 50%.

Ducati are struggling to fit Nicolo Bulega into their MotoGP roster

When Bulega scored points in both of his substitute appearances following Marc Marquez’s 2025 injury and joined the Ducati test team, a 2027 MotoGP move seemed inevitable.

Joining the factory team straight away wasn’t realistic, but Gresini and VR46 are likely to stay within the Ducati family, opening up two other options.

However, reports suggest Gresini aren’t keen on Bulega. Moto2 star Daniel Holgado is set to land one of the seats, and a reunion with Enea Bastianini is their preference on the other side of the garage.

Meanwhile, VR46 have already signed Fermin Aldeguer, and the team also seem inclined to keep the in-form Fabio Di Giannantonio, even if the lead Ducati rider is fielding interest from elsewhere.

Ducati must loan Nicolo Bulega to Trackhouse for 2027

With no outstanding vacancy for Bulega, Ducati have a problem. They don’t want to lose him, and it sounds like his preference is to stay, but he also needs to take the next step in his career.

At the Spanish GP last time out, Bulega’s manager spoke to Aprilia about the spot that has opened up at Trackhouse. Ai Ogura is unexpectedly joining Yamaha.

A loan move would be in the best interests of all parties. Trackhouse would get arguably the best rider outside MotoGP right now, with the other options on their list (like Alex Rins and Joan Mir) less inspiring.

Ducati would be able to satisfy Bulega’s wishes while also testing him over a full MotoGP campaign. Come the end of 2027 or 2028, they would then have the option of bringing him back into the fold.

One issue is that the bosses at Aprilia may not be keen to train up a Ducati rider, but Trackhouse are in control of their own contracts. The move could also be made permanent if Luigi Dall’Igna decides to go in a different direction.

This would be a complex deal to pull off, but it’s a surprise that, based on the reporting, it hasn’t been explored already.