DUCATI PRAISES BULEGA’S 850CC TEST PACE BUT HOLDS OFF ON MOTOGP PREDICTIONS

Nicolo Bulega’s work developing Ducati’s 850cc MotoGP prototype has helped earn him a place in the premier class for 2027, but Ducati Corse general manager Gigi Dall’Igna says it is too early to predict how the Italian will fare against the established MotoGP field.

Bulega has tested the new machine throughout the year, contributing to its development alongside his WorldSBK campaign. His progress impressed Ducati’s senior figures, who agreed to bring him into MotoGP next season. Dall’Igna said the move was not the usual route to the championship, but pointed to Bulega’s achievements in Supersport and Superbike, as well as his work on the next-generation bike.

“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,” Dall’Igna told WorldSBK.com. He added that Ducati had worked closely with Bulega on the project and was pleased with his contribution. “We all together took the decision to have him with us in MotoGP next year.”

The team boss is encouraged by the lap times Bulega has recorded at test venues, but wants to see him on the bike in a more representative setting before setting expectations. Asked what the rider might achieve in MotoGP, Dall’Igna replied: “It’s difficult to say something about that now. We have to wait until Valencia test.” He added: “The lap times that he did in the other race tracks where we tested was really good. So, I think that he can do quite well.”

Bulega missed the post-race test in Austria after a crash at Mugello left him with an injured left shoulder. He then returned to WorldSBK action at Cremona, where he finished second in all three races. Those results were enough to secure the championship at round 10, despite it being his least successful weekend of the season in terms of race wins.

Ducati has yet to officially name Bulega’s replacement in its factory WorldSBK line-up, where he currently rides alongside Iker Lecuona. Franco Morbidelli has been strongly linked with the vacancy, and Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali has also indicated that the former Moto2 champion is the likely choice.