BULEGA SAYS EARLY 2027 MOTOGP TEST PACE IS IMPRESSIVE

Nicolo Bulega missed Ducati’s recent test of its 2027 MotoGP prototype at the Red Bull Ring, but he was keen to hear how the new 850cc machines performed. The test, held two weeks ago, offered an early glimpse of bikes being developed for rules that will also remove ride-height devices and restrict aerodynamic options. The lap times circulating afterwards were not officially confirmed, so comparisons with today’s 1000cc machines remain provisional.

Bulega had already ridden Ducati’s new bike at a private Mugello test, where he crashed. With a World Superbike round at Cremona approaching—and a chance to clinch the championship—he chose to focus on recovering rather than travel to Spielberg.

He contacted Ducati personnel after the test to ask about the details that interested him. “I didn’t follow it directly, but in the evening after the test I called some Ducati people and asked about things I wanted to know,” he said. Their response was encouraging, though the session was not solely about chasing lap times. “They were quite satisfied. Some didn’t ride much, but just tried how the tyres and a few other things felt. Overall, they were happy.”

The unofficial pace caught Bulega’s attention. He cited Brazilian rider Diogo Moreira’s reported time as roughly six or seven tenths slower than the Red Bull Ring qualifying benchmark. “Honestly, if the lap times are right—because we don’t have official times—I think they were fast,” Bulega said. “Moreira was, I think, six or seven tenths slower than in qualifying. That’s already fast.”

The figures do not yet establish how the manufacturers compare, or how the prototypes will perform over a race distance: precise test conditions and an official timing sheet are unavailable. Still, Bulega sees the early speed as notable, given the reduced engine capacity and other changes.

His own experience suggests the new Ducati will feel different without being wholly unfamiliar. “Generally, next year’s MotoGP bike is different, but also similar,” he explained. “The chassis and the way you ride are very similar. The biggest differences are the tyres and the engine. The engine is a little weaker, but it’s still a MotoGP bike, so it isn’t that slow.”

The 2027 regulations will cut capacity from 1000cc to 850cc and replace Michelin tyres with Pirelli. Bulega’s experience with Pirelli from his years in Supersport and World Superbike is also valuable to Ducati as it develops the new package.