The long-awaited news has finally been confirmed. Nicolo Bulega, the WorldSBK championship leader, will make his MotoGP return in 2027 with VR46. Valentino Rossi's team announced on Wednesday that Bulega will partner Fermin Aldeguer next season.
The decision puts an end to months of speculation about Bulega's future. He replaces Franco Morbidelli, who is expected to head in the opposite direction: joining Ducati in WorldSBK. VR46 has signed Bulega on a one-year deal, but with a full package—a factory-spec Ducati, just like Marc Marquez, Pedro Acosta, and Aldeguer. This marks the first time the Tavullia-based squad will field two factory bikes, with Ducati covering most of the cost.
"Getting to MotoGP is a dream, as I will make my debut with the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team," Bulega said in an official statement. "I chose this team because I have always been linked to them: I was part of the VR46 Riders Academy when I was a child, so I know everyone very well. I don't want to set specific goals. I want to try to do well, go race by race and do the best job possible."
This move also reshapes the Italian rider landscape on the grid. In 2027, Bulega will be the only Italian riding a Ducati, while five Spaniards fill the other factory seats—including the Gresini pairing of Joan Mir and Dani Holgado.
Bulega's journey to MotoGP has been anything but linear. In Moto3, he showed immense promise with VR46's backing, but struggled to adapt to Moto2, eventually losing academy support. In 2022, he decided to start from scratch in WorldSSP, the WorldSBK support series, and became champion in 2023 with 16 wins. After stepping up to WorldSBK, his form has continued to rise—this season, he has won 26 of 27 races. From a career low point, he has rebuilt himself and is now ready to return to the premier class in 2027.
Bulega is no stranger to a MotoGP machine. Last year, he twice stood in for the injured Marc Marquez at Ducati, and he also took part in the 2026 pre-season test. That experience, combined with his proven quality, could make him an immediate frontrunner. Meanwhile, Morbidelli's MotoGP career—spanning nine seasons and a runner-up finish in 2020—now enters a new chapter. With Ducati in WorldSBK, he has a strong chance to fight for wins and titles again.
Baca Juga
Nicolo Bulega resmi kembali ke MotoGP 2027 bersama VR46, menggantikan Franco Morbidelli. Pemimpin klasemen WorldSBK itu akan mengendarai Ducati pabrikan.
VR46 resmi mengontrak Nicolo Bulega untuk MotoGP 2027. Bulega akan menggantikan Franco Morbidelli dan menjadi rekan setim Fermin Aldeguer dengan motor pabrikan Ducati.
Nicolo Bulega pindah ke MotoGP 2027 bersama VR46 Ducati. Pablo Nieto yakin perubahan regulasi dan pengalaman WorldSBK-nya membuat transisi ini semudah mungkin.
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