NICOLÒ BUGLEGA WILL MISS RED BULL RING 850CC MOTOGP TEST AFTER MUGELLO CRASH

Nicolo Bulega will not be taking part in Monday’s 850cc/Pirelli MotoGP test at the Red Bull Ring. The WorldSBK title leader suffered a heavy crash earlier in the week while testing Ducati’s 2027 prototype at Mugello, but said he escaped injury and has since travelled to Austria. Even so, the VR46 Ducati rider has decided against any “unnecessary risks” before next weekend’s Cremona WorldSBK round.

Speaking to Sky Italia, Bulega said: “I'm fine, just a knock. But I really want to win in Cremona and I don't want to take any unnecessary risks, especially considering the weather these days in Austria.” His decision means he will miss what is set to be the second official Pirelli test open to MotoGP race riders, following the earlier session at Brno in June.

The Red Bull Ring test is expected to be limited in numbers, with only two or three riders from each manufacturer taking part, as was the case at Brno. The crash that ruled Bulega out came during his Ducati development work, a role he is balancing alongside his WorldSBK campaign. He has often been listed as a rider to watch in private 850cc testing.

Bulega’s absence comes as he continues to lead the WorldSBK standings, having been beaten just once this season—by Aruba.it Ducati teammate Iker Lecuona at Donington Park. With Cremona next, he is in a position to wrap up the 2026 title “early,” according to the report.

Meanwhile, conditions at the Red Bull Ring have already been unsettled: overnight rain left the track damp for Saturday’s final MotoGP practice session.