DALL’IGNA SAYS BULEGA’S CURRENT FORM MATTERS MORE THAN HIS MOTO2 RECORD

Ducati Corse chief Luigi Dall’Igna believes Nicolo Bulega’s disappointing Moto2 record should not define his prospects in MotoGP. The newly crowned Superbike world champion spent three seasons in Moto2 without scoring a podium, falling short of expectations after moving up from Moto3. But his career has since taken a different course: a move to the Superbike paddock helped him rebuild, first winning the Supersport title and then becoming Superbike champion on the Ducati Panigale V4R. He is the first rider to win world titles in both classes.

Dall’Igna points to Bulega’s current riding strengths and personal growth rather than his earlier results. Asked what stands out, he identified the Italian’s speed through the middle of corners: “I think corner speed is one of his great strengths. That is the phase of the lap where Nicolo gets the most out of it.”

The Ducati boss also sees a change in Bulega’s mindset. “I also think that mentally he is really strong at the moment. He is not like he was before. I believe he has learned a lot from his experiences here,” Dall’Igna said.

Bulega’s success in Superbikes does not guarantee that he will thrive in MotoGP, where prototype machinery brings different demands. Still, Dall’Igna’s assessment explains why Ducati believes he merits an opportunity: the team sees a fast, more mature rider whose present abilities cannot be judged solely by his Moto2 results. His return to the Grand Prix paddock will give Bulega a chance to demonstrate how much he has changed, both on the bike and mentally.