Marco Bezzecchi
Nicolo Bulega is widely expected to join VR46 next season after a successful stint in Superbike, and Pablo Nieto has already given his first verdict on the Italian.
Bulega’s arrival is being worked on by Ducati and VR46, as they look to replace the outgoing Fabio Di Giannantonio next season.
While there are rumblings that Bulega’s arrival at VR46 isn’t a done deal just yet, the belief is that WSBK standout will be adorned in the neon green of Valentino Rossi’s team next year.
Which series will benefit more from Nicolo Bulega’s move: MotoGP or Superbikes?
Bulega has run away with this year's WSBK championship
And there are those within WSBK circles that don’t appreciate Bulega’s attitude, which might spell trouble for his future team in MotoGP, if that is VR46.
Even though Nicolo Bulega’s move to VR46 hasn’t been confirmed yet, his potential future team manager, Pablo Nieto, has given his verdict on the rider.
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Pablo Nieto believes ‘frightening’ Nicolo Bulega would fit very well with VR46
Speaking in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, VR46 team manager Pablo Nieto was asked about the possibility of Nicolo Bulega joining the team in 2027.
He referenced Bulega’s history with the VR46 academy and how he and the team would be able to welcome the WSBK star properly.
“He’s one of the options we’re considering, Bulega. Right now, he’s obviously breaking all the records in Superbike, and honestly, he’s going so fast it’s frightening.
“And it’s also true that he’s one of the riders who started with us. So we know each other. And it’s true that he left somewhat unceremoniously, but on very good terms with us, and we know the talent he has.
“Our team is practically the same, just with more people. In the end, the core remains pretty much the same.
“We know each other, and if we have the opportunity to work with him in the future, we’d be very keen.”
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Pablo Nieto also praises Fermin Aldeguer amid VR46 rumours
Speaking further in the interview, Nieto was also asked about the possibility of Fermin Aldeguer joining the team, and how he feels about him.
“Fermin is a driver we really like. He’s very young. We already saw that last year he was Rookie of the Year. When you’re a rookie, it means you’re a driver with a lot of potential, youth, and speed.
“Unfortunately, this year, with injuries, we haven’t been able to see him a little less, but more or less when he was settled in, we saw him get a podium finish in Barcelona. So I think he’s a driver to watch and has a very bright future.”
Valentino Rossi reportedly signed Fermin Aldeguer for VR46, ensuring that their rider partnership would look different compared to the current lineup of Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli.
Rossi reportedly wanted only an Italian rider next to Aldeguer, which explains why Bulega is considered the favourite to earn the second seat in 2027.
VR46 are set to enter a transition period next season, one that officials like Nieto hope will lead to more prosperity than they’ve experienced in years past.
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