Nicolo Bulega is aiming to secure a seat in MotoGP after stepping in for Ducati in two races last season, but the process of establishing himself in the premier class is proving difficult. Following Marc Marquez’s withdrawal from the last four races of the 2025 season, Bulega replaced Michele Pirro for the final two events.
Initially uninterested in competing at the MotoGP level, Bulega’s attitude shifted after participating in a Ducati test session ahead of his substitute appearance. The team encouraged him to enjoy his debut, despite the GP25 bike’s known difficulty, which contributed to modest results during the races he contested. Bulega has demonstrated considerable skill in World Superbikes, narrowly missing the championship last year to Toprak Razgatlioglu in a close finale.
Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali Explains the Hurdles in Bulega’s MotoGP Advancement
At Ducati’s 2026 World Superbikes season launch, CEO Claudio Domenicali discussed Bulega’s prospects for a 2027 MotoGP position. Domenicali emphasized that the rider has proven his capabilities over recent seasons, reflecting on Bulega’s strong performances despite the team experiencing bad luck that cost them the title.
He noted the complexity of securing a MotoGP seat, adding that the official Ducati team fields only two riders and that entry often depends on agreements with satellite teams.
“Keep smiling, as you always have, and stay positive towards yourself, the company, the team and the fans.”
? Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO
“It will depend on how the tests go; it will depend on many things. Let’s not rush things too much. Let’s do the job, and then, halfway through the season, we’ll try to decide together.”
? Claudio Domenicali, Ducati CEO
To support this, Bulega is scheduled for three tests with Ducati’s factory MotoGP squad this year, contributing to the development of the 2027 model aligned with new technical regulations that will reshape the top class.
Connections to VR46 Riders Academy Could Influence Bulega’s 2027 Opportunities
Bulega’s previous involvement with Valentino Rossi’s VR46 Riders Academy may strengthen his candidacy for a MotoGP seat in 2027, despite no longer being part of the program. The academy has cultivated several notable talents on the MotoGP grid, including Francesco Bagnaia and Marco Bezzecchi.
Franco Morbidelli, the academy’s first member, currently competes for the VR46 team and could open a spot for Bulega amid internal frustrations over Morbidelli’s aggressive on-track image. Rossi has indicated plans for the VR46 team to introduce two new riders next year, sparking speculation about Bulega joining the Italian satellite outfit during MotoGP’s upcoming transformative era.
The Broader Implications of Bulega’s MotoGP Prospects
Nicolo Bulega’s pursuit of a MotoGP seat reflects the intricate balance Ducati must maintain between its official riders and satellite teams. While his talent has been evident on different stages, team strategies and partnerships heavily influence rider placements in this top-tier motorsport. Bulega’s upcoming tests and VR46 connections position him as a significant contender, but final decisions will depend on multiple factors, including performance and negotiations later in the season.
How Ducati and VR46 resolve these considerations will impact not only Bulega’s career trajectory but also team dynamics in 2027 as MotoGP embraces new technical changes, shaping the future competitive landscape.
