NICOLÒ BULEGA SUFFERS HEAVY MUGELLO CRASH ON DUCATI 850 TEST BUT ESCAPES FRACTURES

Nicolo Bulega’s work on Ducati’s next MotoGP project suffered a serious interruption after a heavy crash during a private test at Mugello. The 26-year-old fell on the second and final day of the session, shortly before midday, while riding the 850cc prototype that is part of the development of the Desmosedici GP27 for the 2027 season.

Reports say Bulega was thrown from the bike in the fast Arrabbiata 2 section via a highsider. The impact initially caused major concern, but subsequent checks at the hospital brought reassurance: he was not found to have any bone fractures or other severe injuries. Crash.net reports that after being taken to a nearby hospital for assessment, Bulega was discharged and was already on his way home to recover.

The crash came after a promising run of development work. Before the fall, Bulega had continued his testing programme and, in Mugello, reportedly turned a lap time of 1:46.5. That mark left him just seven-tenths of a second outside his personal best with the 850cc machine from an earlier test at the same circuit.

Bulega’s positive impressions of the 850cc Ducati had been building in the lead-up to this week. Following the previous MotoGP weekend in Misano, he had said the new bike suited him well, highlighting that the updated Pirelli tyres were a key factor because he already knows them from his experience in the Superbike World Championship. He also previously described the development level of the new Desmosedici as impressive, noting that even with reduced displacement and power, the gap to current 1000cc machines in lap times was surprisingly small. In that context, he referred to the 850cc package as a “very good base.”

This testing matters even more because Bulega has already been confirmed as a MotoGP regular for 2027. The move sees him return to the VR46 team, where he began his Grand Prix career. Crash.net notes it is a full-circle moment for the Italian, who started in Moto3 with VR46 in 2016, later severing ties with the VR46 Academy as he struggled in Moto2 before rebuilding his career in the World Superbike paddock.

With the crash occurring while he is actively developing the motorcycle he will ride next year, the incident adds uncertainty to the immediate schedule. The Mugello fall could affect his participation in the next 850cc test. A further important test with the new 850cc machines is scheduled for the Red Bull Ring after the Austrian Grand Prix, and reports indicate that multiple MotoGP factory riders are expected to take part. Crash.net adds that Bulega was due to be on track on Monday after the Austrian Grand Prix for the second in-season Pirelli tyre test on 850cc bikes, but that appearance now seems unlikely. His start is described as doubtful.

While the team will monitor the testing implications, the priority is Bulega’s health and recovery—particularly given his current Superbike World Championship campaign. From 25 to 27 September, the third-to-last round of the season takes place in Cremona, where he could potentially clinch the title early. Crash.net also frames the timing as significant, suggesting Ducati may want to ensure Bulega wraps up the WorldSBK crown before carrying out any more testing, with just three rounds remaining in the 2026 campaign.

After the highsider in Mugello, the most important update is that he avoided serious injury, allowing his focus to remain on the next steps in both recovery and the Superbike fight for the championship.