Bulega Nears MotoGP Move, Acknowledges Sacrifices for Premier Class Debut

Italian rider Nicolo BulegaPlayer·Nicolo Bulega is on the cusp of a significant career transition, revealing he is nearing a deal to move from the World Superbike ChampionshipCompetition·World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK) to MotoGPCompetition·MotoGP. The announcement comes as Bulega continues to assert his dominance in WorldSBK, where he is widely considered the favourite to secure the 2026 championship title.

Bulega's performance in WorldSBK has been exceptional. In the 2025 season, he finished as the vice-champion, securing 14 victories and 32 podium finishes across 36 races. His momentum has carried into 2026, where he has established an impressive record of 25 consecutive wins, including a perfect 15 victories from 15 Superbike races this year. His recent triumph at the "Lenovo Race of Champions" during "World DucatiTeam·Ducati Week" further underscored his formidable talent.

His potential move to MotoGPCompetition·MotoGP is not entirely without precedent. Bulega extended his contract with DucatiTeam·Ducati for WorldSBK in 2026, a deal that also included a crucial role as a MotoGPCompetition·MotoGP test rider alongside Michele PirroPlayer·Michele Pirro. This position provided him with his initial opportunity to test a MotoGPCompetition·MotoGP machine in late October 2025. He subsequently made two wildcard appearances in the final rounds of the 2025 season in PortugalVenue·Portugal and ValenciaVenue·Valencia, where he secured two points in each race by finishing 15th. He also participated in post-season tests at ValenciaVenue·Valencia, gaining valuable experience.

DucatiTeam·Ducati views Bulega as a key figure in the development of their 2027 motorcycle, particularly with the introduction of new 850cc engines and the transition to PirelliTeam·Pirelli tyres. His extensive experience with PirelliTeam·Pirelli in WorldSBK is considered a significant asset in this development process.

Speaking after Friday's practice sessions at Donington ParkVenue·Donington Park, Bulega addressed the ongoing negotiations for 2027.

"I think I cannot tell you much," Nicolo Bulega stated regarding his 2027 negotiations. "I think we are close to having a clear idea about my future. We are working very hard with my agency to try to find the perfect solution for me in MotoGP for next year."

Bulega acknowledged the challenges inherent in such a move, particularly for a rookie entering the premier class.

"I am happy because it is MotoGP, but for sure, when you are a rookie, for the first year you have to accept something that maybe the top riders would not accept," Bulega explained. "I knew, even before I started talking with MotoGP teams, that if I want to make this step and go to MotoGP, I know that for the first year I have to make some sacrifices. I am not talking only about money, but about everything."

Reports suggest that if the move materializes, Bulega is likely to join the VR46Team·VR46 team, potentially partnering with Fermín AldeguerPlayer·Fermín Aldeguer. His familiarity with DucatiTeam·Ducati's new 850cc engine, having been one of the primary test riders alongside Michele PirroPlayer·Michele Pirro, would be a distinct advantage.

Despite his impressive WorldSBK record, Bulega is reportedly not DucatiTeam·Ducati's initial choice for a MotoGPCompetition·MotoGP seat in 2027, with five of the six Desmosedici spots already filled. His former WorldSBK rival, Toprak RazgatlıoğluPlayer·Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, who transitioned to MotoGPCompetition·MotoGP in 2026, has publicly supported Bulega, stating that he deserves a chance in MotoGPCompetition·MotoGP and is capable of achieving "special results" with DucatiTeam·Ducati.

A potential departure for Bulega would create a highly sought-after vacancy within the factory DucatiTeam·Ducati team in WorldSBK. Bulega himself has suggested that Aruba.it Racing DucatiTeam·Aruba.it Racing Ducati should consider recruiting a current MotoGPCompetition·MotoGP rider who might be without a seat for 2026 as his replacement.