Nicolo Bulega, currently the leader of the World Superbike Championship, faces an uncertain future regarding a potential promotion to MotoGP in 2027. Despite his position as a test rider for Ducati’s 850cc engine project, it seems that available seats on the team are scarce.
Next year, the MotoGP category will undergo a significant change with the introduction of new regulations that include 850cc engines, a reduction in aerodynamics, the prohibition of height devices, and the use of Pirelli tires. Leveraging his prior experience with these tires, Ducati relied on Bulega for testing this new prototype.
Expectations were high, especially after Bulega was selected as a substitute for Marc Márquez in the last two races of last season. However, Bulega’s results in the adaptation races were modest, finishing in 15th place at both Portimão and Valencia.
With the start of the 2026 Superbike season, Bulega has exceeded expectations, achieving two victories in the first races. The current situation, however, is proving more complicated for him given the dynamics of the MotoGP rider market, where most of Ducati’s seats already seem to be allocated.
Currently, the contracts of the riders include names like Marc Márquez and Pedro Acosta, as well as Fabio Di Giannantonio and Fermin Aldeguer in the VR46 squad. Expectations for Gresini Racing indicate that this team may lose all of its current riders, with Alex Márquez heading to KTM.
Bulega’s management, represented by Alberto Martinelli, has confirmed that there are no concrete offers on the table. It seems that his situation is uncertain and that, as of today, he is not Ducati’s first option.
Martinelli has indicated that while there is a possibility of an opportunity, the situation is currently complicated. Bulega’s goal remains MotoGP, but without a definitive alternative plan in case the situation does not evolve favorably, the rider’s future remains open but fraught with uncertainties.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
