WSBK Kingpin Eyes the Premier Class Crown
The dream of a MotoGP debut for Nicolo Bulega is hitting a brutal wall, despite his current dominance in the World Superbike Championship and a crucial role in Ducati's future.
Key Takeaways
- Nicolo Bulega, the reigning WSBK champion, is currently leading the 2026 season with commanding victories.
- He was instrumental in testing Ducati's 850cc MotoGP prototype for the upcoming 2027 regulations.
- Despite his talent and test contributions, the 2027 MotoGP rider market has left minimal openings at Ducati.
- His manager confirms no concrete offers, highlighting the complex dynamics of team selections, including nationality factors.
Nicolo Bulega is in undeniable form. As the current World Superbike Championship leader, he's been nothing short of spectacular, securing two clean sweeps at the opening rounds in Phillip Island and Portimao. This stellar performance, combined with his role as Ducati's 850cc MotoGP prototype test rider, seemed to pave a clear path to the premier class.
From Test Rider to Title Contender?
Ducati specifically tapped Bulega last year as a test rider for their future 850cc machine, leveraging his extensive experience with Pirelli tyres from WSBK. This move, coupled with his substitute appearances for Marc Marquez in the final 2026 races and the post-season Valencia test, hinted strongly at a potential MotoGP future. While his race results were modest (two points), his quick adaptation during the Valencia test showed genuine promise.
MotoGP's Shifting Sands: Ducati's 2027 Puzzle
However, the intricate dance of the MotoGP rider market has thrown a wrench into Bulega's ambitions. With most Ducati Desmosedici GP seats for 2027 seemingly allocated, the door appears to be closing rapidly. The new 850cc engine regulations and the switch to Pirelli were supposed to be his advantage, but fierce competition has changed the landscape.
The factory Ducati team is expected to feature a blockbuster lineup: Marc Marquez is confirmed, and rising star Pedro Acosta is set to join from KTM, potentially replacing Francesco Bagnaia, who might be heading to Aprilia.
At VR46, Fabio Di Giannantonio is set to retain his position, partnering with the highly-rated Fermin Aldeguer, who will step into Valentino Rossi's factory-supported outfit.
Meanwhile, Gresini Racing is anticipated to welcome Moto2 sensation Daniel Holgado, replacing Alex Marquez, who is reportedly bound for the factory KTM team. The final potential Ducati seat could see a return for Enea Bastianini, a former championship contender.
The Hard Truth from Bulega's Camp
Bulega's manager, Alberto Martinelli, has openly acknowledged the challenging situation. Speaking to GPOne.com, Martinelli confirmed the lack of concrete offers, stating,
