Bulega MotoGP future prospects have come sharply into focus after the conclusion of the 2025 Superbike season, where Ducati faced a tough defeat, surrendering the world championship to Toprak Razgatlioglu and BMW. After a year of intense competition, Nicolò Bulega and Aruba Ducati were left with the runner-up position, a result that has thrown Bulega’s career trajectory—and potential move to MotoGP by 2027—into the spotlight.
The setback has deeply affected the team, especially as Bulega’s crew once commanded a significant 39-point advantage after the Most round. However, as events flipped dramatically in the title fight, Serafino Foti, team manager for Aruba Ducati, made his feelings clear:
“Of course, there’s disappointment over the title we let slip away,”
– Serafino Foti, Aruba Ducati Team Manager. Yet, he emphasized that any dwelling on the loss would be unproductive:
“But dwelling on it is pointless. Nicolò has been nothing short of exceptional; he made no mistakes. It’s time to turn the page and focus on what lies ahead for 2026.”
As the team regroups, attention inevitably turns to what version of Bulega will compete in the next championship, and whether this chapter will steer him closer to MotoGP or cement his Superbike legacy.
Bulega’s Approach to 2026: Lessons Learned and Rival Threats Identified
Looking to next season, Foti underlined Bulega’s growth, highlighting a newfound steadiness and discipline:
“This year, Nicolò exhibited remarkable maturity, clarity, and consistency,”
– Serafino Foti, Aruba Ducati Team Manager. However, Foti also cautioned against complacency, warning that overconfidence at the start of the season could be a fatal mistake:
“We’ll all start from square one, and it’s crucial not to assume we’ve already secured the championship after just one race. Bulega is undoubtedly a favorite, but thinking victory is in the bag would be a grave error.”
Competition in 2026 is expected to be relentless. Foti identified key rivals such as the BMW duo of Danilo Petrucci and Miguel Oliveira, along with Iker Lecuona’s eagerness to make an impression for Ducati. Sam Lowes, Álvaro Bautista, and the Yamaha riders will also present significant challenges. Adding to this, the introduction of a brand-new Ducati bike means teams must adapt rapidly:
“We have the BMWs of Petrucci and Oliveira, alongside Lecuona, who will be eager to make an impact with Ducati. Let’s not forget Sam Lowes, Álvaro Bautista, and the Yamahas. The 2026 season will demand an even higher level of performance, especially since we’ll be working with a brand-new bike.”
Managing Pressure: Bulega’s Dual Roles and the MotoGP Question
Some have questioned whether balancing duties as both race rider and test pilot could hamper Bulega’s progress, but Foti quickly dispelled such concerns:
“Not a chance. Nicolò has astounded me from day one with his ability to manage pressure. He’ll be testing a MotoGP bike on Pirelli tires, which are quite similar to what he’s used to in Superbike, so I don’t foresee any issues. It would be a different story if he were riding a Michelin-shod MotoGP bike, particularly at the end of the season.”
This adaptability may serve Bulega well if he pursues opportunities in MotoGP, a possibility he has openly considered for 2027. Nevertheless, Foti insists that Bulega’s primary goal remains capturing the elusive Superbike crown:
“Nicolò is no fool; his main priority is to win the Superbike World Championship. If the right offer and conditions for MotoGP don’t materialize, he will stay in Superbike. He loves this paddock and thrives here.”
Foti further dismissed doubts about Bulega’s continuing motivation within Superbikes:
“The 2026 Championship promises to be intensely competitive, and the new fuel flow regulations will significantly impact performance. It won’t be as straightforward as some might think. For now, Bulega knows the score—he must win the title, and if he transitions to MotoGP afterward, we would all celebrate.”
Technical Hurdles: The Unknowns of the Ducati V4
Bulega is preparing to campaign on the newly developed Ducati V4 in 2026, a machine still full of unknowns:
“It’s a bike still shrouded in mystery. We don’t yet know its full potential. As a new project, it demands careful work, analysis, and understanding. Our journey will commence at the January tests in Jerez, where we will begin fine-tuning, continuing development throughout the season. Every new project is a marathon, not a sprint.”
– Serafino Foti, Aruba Ducati Team Manager. These technical challenges mean the road to another title shot will be anything but straightforward, increasing the stakes for Bulega and Ducati alike.
What Lies Ahead: Opportunity and Pressure for Bulega
After a year marked by heartbreak and renewed hopes, the 2026 Superbike season will determine whether Nicolò Bulega cements his legacy with Ducati or positions himself for a leap into MotoGP. With rivals such as Petrucci, Oliveira, Sam Lowes, and Álvaro Bautista in the mix, as well as the added complexity of a new bike and evolving regulations, the racing world’s attention remains fixed on Bulega MotoGP future prospects. As the racer tackles new tests at tracks like Jerez, the outcome will influence not only his personal ambitions but also strategy and expectations across both Superbike and MotoGP circles in the coming years.
