Nicolo Bulega is set to return to the MotoGP grid in 2027 after securing a seat with Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, completing a remarkable comeback to the premier class.
The Italian rider will join VR46 alongside Fermin Aldeguer, with both riders set to compete on factory-spec Ducati machinery. The move represents a major step for Bulega, who has rebuilt his career after a difficult spell in Moto2 and is now one of the leading riders in WorldSBK.
Bulega's route back to MotoGP has been far from straightforward. After struggling to establish himself in Moto2 and losing his place within the VR46 Riders Academy, the Italian revived his career in the production-based championships. He dominated the WorldSSP class in 2023, taking an impressive 16 victories, before making the step up to WorldSBK.
His performances in WorldSBK have since strengthened his case for another opportunity in MotoGP, with Bulega emerging as one of the championship's standout talents. He has already had some experience on MotoGP machinery, deputising for the injured Marc Márquez and taking part in the 2026 pre-season tests. Those outings gave him valuable experience of the prototype bikes ahead of his full-time return.
Bulega's move to VR46 also carries personal significance. The Italian was part of the VR46 Riders Academy as a child, meaning his return to MotoGP will see him reunite with a team and group of people he has known for years.
"Getting to MotoGP is a dream, as I will make my debut with the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team," Bulega said.
Source: Motorsport Week
"I chose this team because I have always been linked to them. I was part of the VR46 Riders Academy when I was a child, so I know everyone very well."
Rather than setting ambitious targets for his first full MotoGP season, Bulega said he intends to focus on taking the championship one race at a time.
"I don't want to set specific goals. I want to try to do well, go race by race and do the best job possible," he added.
Bulega's arrival will also mark an important milestone for VR46. For the first time, the team will field two factory-spec Ducati bikes, with Bulega and Aldeguer both receiving top-level machinery. The upgrade underlines Ducati's confidence in the team and gives VR46 a stronger platform to fight further up the MotoGP field.
For Bulega, it also provides an ideal opportunity to make the most of his return, with the Italian arriving in MotoGP after building considerable momentum in WorldSBK.
His promotion to VR46 means Franco Morbidelli is set to leave MotoGP after nine seasons in the premier class. Morbidelli enjoyed the best period of his MotoGP career in 2020, when he finished runner-up in the championship. The 2017 Moto2 world champion has remained a familiar presence on the grid since making his premier-class debut, but now appears ready for a new challenge.
Reports indicate that Morbidelli is likely to switch to WorldSBK, with a possible move to the official Ducati team. A move to the championship could give the Italian another opportunity to fight for victories and a title in a series where Ducati has enjoyed significant success.
Bulega's return also gives Italian fans another rider to rally behind on a Ducati-backed MotoGP project. After falling out of the MotoGP picture earlier in his career, his rise through WorldSSP and WorldSBK has transformed his prospects.
His 2027 move to VR46 is the latest step in a comeback that has taken him from struggling in Moto2 to becoming one of the most highly regarded riders in the production-based championships. With a factory Ducati beneath him and a familiar VR46 environment around him, Bulega will have a major opportunity to prove that he belongs among MotoGP's leading riders.
His return will be one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the 2027 season.
