SALUCCI WARNS BULEGA COULD LACK FACTORY DUCATI UPGRADES IN 2027

Nicolo Bulega’s extensive work on Ducati’s 2027 MotoGP prototype has fuelled expectations that the newly crowned World Superbike champion could arrive unusually well prepared for his first full season in the premier class. But VR46 team manager Uccio Salucci believes the Italian may instead face a significant disadvantage to some of his rivals, particularly Fermin Aldeguer.

The concern is not Bulega’s preparation, but his machinery. Ducati’s six-rider line-up for 2027 is expected to include four factory-bike riders: Marc Marquez, Pedro Acosta, Aldeguer and Joan Mir. Bulega and fellow rookie David Alonso are set to ride non-factory bikes. Although all Ducati riders will begin the season with the same specification under the new technical rules, the gap could grow as development progresses and factory riders receive updates.

Salucci said the possibility of upgrades for Bulega would depend on his results. “If we perform well and deserve it, we’ll receive updates,” he told Sky Sports Italy, in comments reported by Motorsport.com. He added that Ducati and VR46 were open to the idea, but said they would first need to assess the opening five or six races.

The team manager was unsure whether the initial difference between factory and non-factory machinery would be small. Having already seen a series of updates, he said he feared the gap could become “significant” next year, especially from the middle of the season onwards.

That timing matters because 2027 brings a complete overhaul of MotoGP’s technical regulations. Teams are expected to develop rapidly as they seek an advantage, making access to new parts an important factor across the campaign. If Bulega does not receive updates at the same pace as factory riders, his early testing experience may not be enough to prevent him from losing ground as the season unfolds.

Bulega has already rejected suggestions that his testing gives him a clear preparation advantage over the rest of the grid. Salucci’s warning adds another complication to the rookie’s prospects: while he may know Ducati’s new bike well, his ability to keep pace could depend on how quickly VR46 earns access to its latest developments.