Marco Bezzecchi
Nicolo Bulega’s mooted move to MotoGP in 2027 will have several ramifications, not least for the World Superbike championship.
Bulega had been on a four-rider shortlist to partner Fermin Aldeguer at VR46 next year, alongside Franco Morbidelli, Luca Marini and Celestino Vietti.
According to Sky Italy, Valentino Rossi is now set to choose Bulega, the runaway World Superbikes leader, as his new rider. This could spell the end for incumbent rider Morbidelli in the premier class.
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Nicolo Bulega to VR46 could end Franco Morbidelli’s MotoGP career
Ducati attached financial and sporting incentives to Bulega to persuade Rossi to sign him. They will cover his salary and give both VR46 riders full factory support.
Ultimately, that made the difference for Rossi despite his familial ties to Luca Marini. With all the Honda seats filled, Marini is at risk of dropping off the grid despite appearing to be in a strong position earlier this year.
Meanwhile, academy rider Vietti will likely have to remain in Moto2 for at least one more year.
Morbidelli is also a graduate of Rossi’s academy, but his below-par performances this year have cost him. He currently sits 15th in the standings, while teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio is third, albeit on a slightly more advanced spec.
A recent report suggests Morbidelli hasn’t spoken to any other teams, so it’s no wonder that TNT Sports Neil Hodgson has predicted a permanent exit.
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“Franco Morbidelli? Holiday. Full-time. Full-time holiday,” Hodgson said in a video predicting the 2027 grid.
“VR46, we need Fermin Aldeguer from Gresini.”
Colleague Sylvain Guintoli then asked: “Alongside him, who do you think? I’m going for Bulega from World Superbikes. It would be exciting to see. So strong in World Superbikes, he’s got 19 wins in a row.”
Hodgson replied: “I’m going for Bulega as well.”
With Bulega likely vacating his Ducati WSBK seat, Morbidelli could theoretically swap seats with his fellow Italian and become the latest MotoGP veteran to change disciplines. The 31-year-old has had a commendable career in the class, winning three Grands Prix and making nearly 150 starts to date.
Di Giannantonio is leaving VR46 of his own volition, having accepted an offer to partner Alex Marquez at KTM.
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