BULEGA SAYS KTM WAS HIS MOST CONCRETE ALTERNATIVE BEFORE VR46 DEAL

Nicolo Bulega says he had genuine alternatives to VR46 before agreeing to make his full-time MotoGP debut with the Ducati-backed team in 2027. KTM was the strongest option outside Ducati, while Aprilia also explored whether he might be available.

Ducati and VR46 announced in September that Bulega would join the team alongside Fermin Aldeguer. The 27-year-old is expected to have a one-year factory Ducati contract, with an option for a second season. He will arrive as the reigning WorldSBK champion after winning his first title in 2026.

Bulega told GPOne that he and his management had to wait for the leading riders to settle their own moves before his future became clear. “The opportunity to join KTM was there, and it was probably the most concrete one,” he said, adding that his manager had met with KTM executives. Aprilia had also shown interest, though Bulega described that possibility as more limited.

His preference, however, was to stay with Ducati. He has been part of the manufacturer’s programme since moving to the Supersport paddock in 2022, before stepping up to WorldSBK with factory support in 2024. “I’ve always said, though, that I’d like to continue with Ducati,” Bulega said. “We won so many races, and this year we won the world championship – the icing on the cake. Staying with Ducati was my greatest wish, and in the end, we made it happen. Now, a new challenge begins.”

The crowded 2027 rider market shaped his route into MotoGP. Pedro Acosta is set to replace Francesco Bagnaia at Ducati, while Marc Marquez has secured a new deal for 2027 and 2028. Ducati also moved Aldeguer from Gresini to VR46. Gresini’s reported plans instead include Joan Mir and Daniel Holgado, leaving VR46 as Bulega’s only route into the Ducati line-up.

KTM ultimately signed Alex Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio to replace Acosta and Brad Binder. Aprilia chose Bagnaia to take Jorge Martin’s place, while its satellite team Trackhouse is set to bring in Enea Bastianini in place of Ai Ogura. The reporting does not establish whether KTM was prepared to offer Bulega a factory seat; Aprilia’s interest was reportedly linked to a possible Trackhouse move after Ogura opted for Yamaha.

Bulega has already made two MotoGP appearances, standing in for the injured Marquez at the Portuguese and Valencia Grands Prix late in 2025. He has also tested Ducati’s 850cc bike, giving him experience of the new machinery and tyres ahead of the 2027 rules change. That season will bring 850cc engines, reduced aerodynamics, a ban on ride-height devices and a switch to Pirelli tyres.

Marquez called Bulega the most interesting prospect among the 2027 rookies, saying: “He’s testing already, he knows the tyres, and I believe that he will be fast. He’s a very good rider.” Bulega said the praise from the seven-time MotoGP champion made him proud. “I don’t think Marquez needs to play games with me. Maybe he really does believe it; otherwise, he wouldn’t have said it,” he told GPOne. “I saw the press conference where he talked about me, and I was really pleased. Hearing that from a rider like him, who’s certainly no rookie, is a source of pride and gives me even more motivation. I’ll try to do well.”

With those alternatives gone, Bulega’s long-standing relationship with Ducati and his wish to remain with the manufacturer have led him to VR46 for the next step in his career.