ROSSI CONGRATULATES BULEGA AND URGES HIM TO FOCUS ON MOTOGP

Nicolo Bulega has already rewritten several World Superbike records, even with three races still to come at Jerez. The newly crowned champion has won 29 races this season, surpassing Alvaro Bautista’s previous mark of 27, and has scored 664 points. He has also taken all three race wins at nine of the 11 events so far. His run of 44 consecutive podium finishes is unprecedented, while his 33 podiums in a single season leave him one short of Jonathan Rea’s 2019 record of 34.

Bulega is preparing for a major change in 2027, when he will join Valentino Rossi’s VR46 Ducati team in MotoGP. He is contracted for 2027 and 2028 and will share the garage with Fermin Aldeguer.

The Italian is determined to approach his rookie season without expecting to be immediately at the front. “When you come back to the garage after riding and second place is the worst result, mentally you get into a place that isn’t real,” he said. “Especially when it comes to MotoGP. Next year I’m sure I won’t see my name in first place all the time.”

Bulega said he will need time to understand the championship and its exceptionally high level. “I’ll go into the season with a different mindset. It will be my first year in MotoGP, I have a lot to understand and the level is incredibly high, so I have no expectations. It was the same in my first year in WorldSBK. I’ll work hard, give my maximum, stay focused, work on the details and try to get closer to the front every time I ride.”

He pointed to Cal Crutchlow and Ben Spies as examples of Superbike riders who made an impact in MotoGP. Spies, Bulega noted, was competitive but suffered injuries. Success in the premier class requires adapting one’s riding style, as well as having the right motorcycle and team and maintaining top form through a long season. “Let’s see if I can get good results,” he said. “That would be nice for me, but also for the Superbike paddock.”

After clinching the title in Cremona in late September, Bulega received congratulations from rivals and MotoGP riders. He said he appreciated the messages and enjoyed reading them in the following weeks. Among those who contacted him was his future team boss, Rossi, who congratulated him on his work. Bulega recalled Rossi’s follow-up advice with a smile: “Now think about the tasks ahead.”