Nicolo Bulega immediately delivered a competitive performance during his first outing on the 850cc Ducati MotoGP prototype at Mugello. The 2026 WorldSBK championship leader recorded a best lap of 1m47.2s from just 20 laps aboard Ducati’s new-generation machine currently under development for the 2027 MotoGP regulations.
The test came only days after Bulega extended his dominant WorldSBK run with a 16th consecutive victory. Following the Hungarian round, the 26-year-old Italian travelled directly back to Italy to join Ducati’s accelerated MotoGP development programme as the manufacturer transitions toward the upcoming 850cc engine era.
Ducati previously confirmed Bulega as part of its 2027 MotoGP development structure after he replaced Marc Marquez during several rounds late last season. Within the project, Bulega works alongside factory test rider Michele Pirro, who had already given the 850cc prototype its first public running during the V2 Champ Academy test at Misano.
According to GPOne.com, Bulega’s benchmark lap was 0.4 seconds faster than Pirro and 1.3 seconds quicker than KTM test rider Dani Pedrosa. The performance immediately attracted attention within the paddock given Mugello’s reputation as one of the most demanding circuits for engine efficiency and aerodynamic stability.
From a technical perspective, Ducati’s 850cc prototype was running on Pirelli tyres as part of the transition toward the new MotoGP regulations. The reduced engine capacity is expected to significantly alter power delivery, acceleration characteristics, and aerodynamic strategies compared to the current 1000cc era. As a result, early Mugello data is considered highly valuable for Ducati’s chassis balance and energy management development.
Although Bulega’s lap time remained around three seconds slower than Marc Marquez’s official Mugello qualifying record of 1m44.169s set on the current 1000cc Michelin package, the initial benchmark was viewed positively considering the 850cc machine remains at an early development stage.
Ducati also confirmed that Bulega only rode during Monday afternoon due to bad weather affecting Tuesday’s schedule. The limited track time significantly reduced the total mileage normally expected during prototype development testing.
From a career perspective, Bulega’s growing involvement in Ducati’s MotoGP project continues to strengthen speculation regarding a potential full-time premier class move. The situation is believed to be closely linked to the future of Fabio Di Giannantonio, who is reportedly evaluating either a VR46 contract extension or a possible move to KTM’s factory project.
As Ducati intensifies development of its 850cc prototype, the initial Mugello test results now represent one of the first important indicators of the manufacturer’s readiness for MotoGP’s major 2027 regulation transition.
Baca Juga
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