Speculation around MotoGP debut anticipation 2025 intensified when early test sessions at a damp Jerez circuit led Alex Lowes to question whether Nicolo Bulega was ready for MotoGP’s main stage. However, Bulega exceeded expectations by participating in the final two rounds of the 2025 MotoGP season at Portimao and Valencia, as well as showing his form at the post-season Valencia test, shortly after his World Superbike championship run.
Initial Doubts Surface After Jerez Test
Alex Lowes, present at Jerez for the Michelin World Superbike tyre test, initially doubted that Bulega could confidently step up to MotoGP due to limited dry track time and an overall lack of preparation. With the weather making the track damp and Bulega logging only about twenty laps, Lowes felt the transition would be too abrupt for the Italian rider. This skepticism was grounded in the rigorous competition MotoGP presents, with riders piloting machines that have become increasingly even in performance.
“You’re sort of on a hiding to nothing, in some ways, because you’re against the best riders in the world, there’s no one on a bad bike – there’s some bikes that are less competitive, but they’re all very similar now, it’s not like what it was with bigger gaps years ago,”
Alex Lowes told Crash.net, speaking at Motorcycle Live after the Valencia MotoGP Sprint, which he had not seen at the time.
Challenges of Switching Codes Highlighted
Lowes remarked that, having observed Bulega try the MotoGP bike under suboptimal conditions, it was unlikely he would tackle a full weekend of racing without a proper test. He discussed his reservations with his brother by phone, expressing that a brief test session could hardly substitute for the experience and data gained over a full day or two. The rapid transition from Superbike to MotoGP machinery was, in his view, a tall order for any racer—especially at a crucial, late-season stage
He explained that in a competitive paddock, many wait to see if newcomers falter under pressure, adding another layer of psychological challenge to the debut. In unpredictable weather and with minimal practice time, questions remained about what meaningful results could realistically be expected for someone in Bulega’s position.
“I think you have to not have an opinion on the face value of the result, and try to check the lap times, the consistency.”
– Alex Lowes
Bulega’s Approach and Unexpected Entry
Reflecting on the rain-affected Michelin test, Lowes noted that Bulega had been slated for Superbike and MotoGP runs across two days but ended up spending most of a single day on his Superbike before switching to the MotoGP machine. For Lowes, the call to allow Bulega onto a MotoGP bike felt more like a reward after a strong year rather than a strategic racing move.
Bulega nonetheless started the Portimao weekend in promising fashion, dealing with sporadic rain and a crash in the Sprint, exemplifying the unpredictability of such high-level debuts. Despite faltering weather and compressed practice opportunities, Bulega pressed on, continuing to impress as he quickly returned to the bike at Valencia for the post-season test.
“But I think he’s a good rider, a fantastic rider, as they all are, there’s lots of riders that are similar. I think, if he had a full year on the bike, he’d do a solid job.”
– Alex Lowes
Lowes Compares His Own Experience to Bulega’s Jump
Lowes connected Bulega’s situation to his own experience in 2016 when he filled in for Bradley Smith at Silverstone and Misano without significant MotoGP exposure. He was surprised Bulega made his debut so soon, especially since Bulega already had a testing contract with Ducati secured for the following season. The expectation had been that Bulega would use his 2026 testing role to acclimate to the new machinery, rather than make a direct racing debut with minimal preparation.
“I’m surprised he did it, he’s already got a test rider role next year, I thought he might use that to prove himself,”
said Alex Lowes.
Despite his surprise, Lowes acknowledged the rarity of such opportunities, and ultimately saw logic in Bulega’s decision to seize the moment. He referenced his and his brother’s experience racing against top riders such as Fabio Di Giannantonio, Bastianini, Jorge Martin, Maverick Vinales, Alex Rins, and Pol Espargaro, underlining the high standard of talent in the MotoGP paddock.
Bulega’s Talent and Potential for Future Success
Lowes stressed that Bulega’s riding quality stands out, even among world-class competitors. Drawing from his own racing history with various elite riders, Lowes argued that given sufficient time on a MotoGP-spec Ducati, several riders, including Bulega, could develop into consistent and strong performers at the premier class level.
“I think there’s a lot of riders who, if you put them on a Ducati for two or three years in MotoGP would be pretty strong and consistent, so it will be pretty interesting to see what he does.”
– Alex Lowes
The Road Ahead for Bulega
Bulega’s entry into MotoGP was marked by both skepticism and admiration, illustrating the complexities of transitioning from World Superbike to the world’s premier motorcycle racing series. His willingness to take on the challenge before moving into a full-time test role with Ducati demonstrates adaptability and ambition. The upcoming 2025 season is set to be a defining period for Bulega, as he takes on fresh challenges and aims to establish himself among the MotoGP elite. His progress will not only shape perceptions of rapid code-switching in motorsport but may also influence how future riders are prepared for MotoGP competition.
