Marco Bezzecchi
Nicolo Bulega’s move from World Superbike to MotoGP is reportedly ‘not closed’ with VR46 and Ducati still in talks over key contract clauses.
26-year-old Bulega has been making headlines while riding for the Ducati factory team in the Superbike World Championship.
The Italian has completely dominated the proceedings and is currently on a 25-race winning streak.
As a result of his fine performances in WSBK, Bulega has been linked with a move to MotoGP and has been mooted as an option for VR46.
Which series will benefit more from Nicolo Bulega’s move: MotoGP or Superbikes?
Bulega has run away with this year's WSBK championship
Nicolo Bulega’s MotoGP move ‘not closed’ due to salary and bike costs
Ahead of the 2027 season, it is expected that Bulega will join the VR46 MotoGP team, where he will likely ride alongside Spaniard Fermin Aldeguer.
However, according to the latest report by Motorsport, the deal between Bulega and VR46 is ‘not closed’.
It has been noted that several ‘key terms’ are still to be negotiated between VR46 and Ducati, which include Bulega’s salary and the cost of the bike itself.
The key sticking point appears to be how the above-mentioned costs will be split between the manufacturer and the team.
VR46 were previously linked with a move for Luca Marini, who will be leaving Honda at the end of the 2026 season.
However, it has since been reported that Marini is in talks with Tech3 over a potential move.
A source told Motorsport: “In terms of talent and character, bringing him (Marini) back would be very appealing for us, but he has decided to pursue his future elsewhere, and we must respect that.
“We are in talks with Bulega; he is an option, though not the only one.”
How many podiums would Nicolo Bulega score as a rookie if he moves to MotoGP for 2027?
Bulega's pace at World Superbikes' Balaton Park round would have put him on the MotoGP Hungarian GP podium!
READ MORE: ‘Everyone’ in the WSBK paddock is saying the same thing about Nicolo Bulega amid 2027 MotoGP rumours
Over the last few months, Bulega’s future has been a major talking point in the MotoGP paddock.
It is well known that the 26-year-old has been eyeing a seat in the premier class of Grand Prix motorcycle racing.
Having been linked to Ducati, Bulega has been testing the 850cc bikes for the manufacturer, with them being used from the 2027 season onwards.
It has been noted that Bulega’s recent test times are faster than those of experienced riders such as Dani Pedrosa, Augusto Fernandez and Lorenzo Savadori.
As a result, Bulega is putting himself in the best place possible for a MotoGP seat, with VR46 remaining his most likely destination.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
