IKER LEcuONA SET FOR MOTO GP RETURN AT SILVERSTONE AS HE PRAISES NICCOLO BUGLEGA

Iker Lecuona is set to return to MotoGP at the British Grand Prix, stepping in as a stand-in rider for Gresini after Fermin Aldeguer was ruled out of the race with injury. It will be Lecuona’s second appearance in the premier class in 2026, following his replacement of Aldeguer at the Hungarian GP—his first MotoGP start since 2023.

The World Superbike star’s comeback has already drawn attention for the way he adapted quickly. Although he has never ridden the Desmosedici GP25 before, Lecuona delivered a strong performance at the Hungarian GP to finish seventh. The result sparked online calls for him to take over at VR46, where Franco Morbidelli has struggled throughout 2026.

Lecuona’s comments also touched on the wider production-bike pathway into MotoGP, particularly his view of Nicolo Bulega. Reports have linked Bulega with a move to VR46 for 2027, and Lecuona believes the Italian’s transition is fully justified. Speaking to Motosprint, Lecuona said: “He can do well, given his incredible talent.” He added that “You don’t win so many races in SBK by chance,” and expressed satisfaction that “Nicolò is moving up there; he deserves this opportunity.”

Lecuona praised Bulega’s strengths in clear terms, calling him “fast, powerful and can ride at a high level,” and pointing to his own experience of how MotoGP has evolved “in terms of aerodynamics and technology.”

He went further when asked about who from WorldSBK is truly ready for MotoGP, stating: “Bulega deserves the opportunity and, out of the whole field of production-based bikes, only the two of us would be worthy of it.” Lecuona argued there is “a huge gap between us and the rest,” and dismissed criticism with the line: “And anyone who says we’re just messing about is an idiot.”