Nicolo Bulega has impressed Ducati with his pace and development work on its new 850cc MotoGP prototype, but the manufacturer is keeping expectations in check ahead of his move to the premier class in 2027.
Ducati Corse general manager Gigi Dall’Igna believes Bulega has shown enough speed during testing to suggest he can perform well in MotoGP, although he admits it is still too early to predict just how competitive the Italian will be.
Bulega has spent much of 2026 helping Ducati develop its new 850cc MotoGP machine, giving him valuable experience ahead of the major regulation change coming next season.
His testing programme has been particularly impressive to Ducati, contributing to the decision to bring him into MotoGP for 2027.
"This is not the normal path to go to MotoGP," Dall’Igna told WorldSBK.com.
"But Nicolo did a fantastic job in Supersport, in Superbike, and not only. He did a really great job also on the evolution of the 850cc, next year’s machine."
Bulega’s move is unusual because he will step into MotoGP from WorldSBK rather than following the more traditional route through Moto2. However, his performances across the production-based categories and his work on Ducati’s next-generation prototype have convinced the manufacturer that he deserves the opportunity.
"We worked quite close with this new bike and we are really happy about the job that he did," Dall’Igna said.
"We all together took the decision to have him with us in MotoGP next year."
Source: HT Auto
Bulega’s progress has been helped by the amount of time he has already spent on the 850cc prototype. He has tested the new machine at several circuits throughout the year, building experience with both the motorcycle and the prototype Pirelli tyres that will become part of MotoGP’s new technical era.
His testing programme was briefly interrupted after he crashed while riding the Ducati prototype at Mugello, injuring his left shoulder. He subsequently skipped the planned post-race test at the Red Bull Ring to avoid taking unnecessary risks ahead of the WorldSBK round at Cremona.
Despite missing that test, Bulega went on to secure the 2026 WorldSBK title at Cremona. He finished second in all three races, which was enough to seal the championship after a dominant campaign.
That success further underlined why Ducati has opted to take him into MotoGP.
Still, Dall’Igna is unwilling to make any firm predictions about Bulega’s potential in the premier class.
"It’s difficult to say something about that now," he said.
"We have to wait until Valencia test."
The Ducati boss did, however, point to Bulega’s testing times as an encouraging sign.
"The lap times that he did at the other race tracks where we tested were really good. So, I think that he can do quite well."
Bulega’s experience could give him a useful starting point when the 2027 MotoGP era begins, particularly because he has already spent considerable time developing the 850cc Ducati.
However, his transition will still involve major challenges. MotoGP race weekends, the intensity of a full Grand Prix grid and the demands of adapting to a new level of competition are very different from WorldSBK.
For now, Ducati is choosing to let Bulega’s testing performance speak for itself. The Valencia test will provide the next major opportunity to assess where he stands before the 2027 season begins.
One thing is already clear: Bulega will not arrive in MotoGP completely unfamiliar with Ducati’s new generation of machinery. His work throughout 2026 has made him an important part of the 850cc project, and Ducati will now be hoping that experience translates into competitive results when he finally joins the MotoGP grid.
