VALENTINO ROSSI CALLS NICOLO BUGLEGA’S 2027 VR46 MOTOGP MOVE “A GOOD STORY”

Valentino Rossi has welcomed Nicolo Bulega’s move to MotoGP with VR46 Ducati, calling it “a good story” after the Italian’s full-time debut is set for 2027. Rossi spoke on the official MotoGP world feed at Misano last weekend, saying VR46 are “very happy and very proud” about the step for a rider who began his career within the VR46 setup.

Rossi described the moment as a full-circle progression, noting that Bulega started with the VR46 Academy “at the beginning of his career.” He added that the team “helped him a lot,” and that expectations were high from the outset. However, Rossi said the early grand prix years did not go as planned, suggesting Bulega “maybe [was] not ready” and “maybe a bit unlucky,” before the partnership eventually ended: “After, we split our stories.”

Despite that difficult start in the world championship, Rossi pointed to Bulega’s later resurgence in production-based racing. He said Bulega “did a fantastic job in Superbikes,” finding his place and becoming world champion in World Supersport. Rossi also highlighted the rider’s current form in WorldSBK, where Bulega has been dominant this season and is on the verge of sealing the title.

According to Rossi, Bulega’s experience and preparation should translate well to MotoGP. He said the rider “knows the tyres and he knows the new bike, because he’s the tester,” concluding: “So, I think it can be fun.”

Bulega’s 2027 VR46 Ducati programme follows his WorldSBK success, with Rossi referencing the rider’s near-complete control of the championship. Bulega has one hand on the WorldSBK trophy, having won all but one race so far this season, and he leads the standings by 146 points heading into the Cremona round, where he can clinch the title with two rounds remaining.

The move also reflects Bulega’s ongoing Ducati involvement: he has spent much of 2026 testing Ducati’s 850cc machine ahead of the MotoGP campaign.

Bulega will not be the only new face at VR46 next year. Rossi’s team will also add Fermin Aldeguer in 2027, with the Spaniard switching over from Gresini Racing.