The renewal of Nicolo Bulega for the Aruba.it Racing Ducati implied that, in 2026, the Italian rider would combine his obligations as an official rider of the Italian brand in the WSBK, with the work of a MotoGP test rider to develop the 2027 prototype. It must be remembered that in 2027 a new regulation comes into force and that, therefore, the evolution of the motorcycle will be intense next year.
Thus, Bulega will be an important part of Ducati. Not only in regards to the Superbike championship, where it is the main candidate for the title after being runner-up the last two seasons, but in a process in which the Italian firm will seek not to lose its status as a winning bike in MotoGP with the change in regulations.
Bulega’s knowledge of the Pirelli is a point in his favor
In this sense, Bulega could benefit from his experience with the Pirelli, which will be the official tires in 2027 in the category and which, it is expected, will behave differently from the Michelin. This gives him added value in his role as a test rider, but before that, Ducati has decided to put Nicolo on the current Desmosedici, in tests that will take place at the Jerez-Ángel Nieto Circuit.
On the same track where he fought until exhaustion to win the title against Razgatlioglu, he will make contact with the 2025 bike. Tests that are really important, because beyond starting to get the pulse of a bike that is totally different from the one he is used to, they could also be the ones that open the door for him to debut in MotoGP.
And with Marc Márquez out of the game due to injury, Michele Pirro has been his substitute in Australia and Malaysia, but Ducati is not closing the door on Bulega being on the grids in Portimao and Valencia if this contact is positive.
Bulega’s challenge, however, is enormous, since he has never ridden a MotoGP with all the control systems that it currently has, and he has not tried either carbon brakes or Michelin tires. Even so, there is no doubt that the desire of both the driver and the brand would be to see him compete if the tests go on the right track. In addition, that would help him better understand the dynamics of MotoGP competition for his work next season.
Davide Tardozzi, Team Manager of the Ducati Lenovo Team of MotoGP confirmed it from the Malaysian GP: “We want Bulega to feel comfortable with the bike, because in 2026 he will have an important role helping us develop the new version. Knowing the 1000cc bike can be useful in the future. After the test we will decide what to do for the last two races. The test will be in Jerez. It is something we want to do, we are still finishing defining it with him, but we think it would be positive. We will make the final decision after this end of week”.
While Bulega, asked about the option, did not hide his excitement while being cautious in the face of such a challenge: “I haven’t received any call yet. I know that there is that possibility, but going to MotoGP directly from WorldSBK is not easy if you have never tried a MotoGP. I have been in Superbike for two years and I have no experience with carbon discs, MotoGP tires, or with all the electronic devices. The bike has more power and everything is new for me. I think that before thinking about racing, it is better to test it first and, if it comes later the opportunity, why not?”
