The path for Nicolo Bulega to move to MotoGP in 2027 has become clearer after the Aruba.it Racing Ducati team confirmed his departure at the end of the 2026 WorldSBK season. This announcement also opens up a significant opportunity for the Italian rider to step up to the premier class, a move that has long been anticipated.
Speculation about Bulega's future had been rife since before the 2026 season began, largely fueled by Toprak Razgatlioglu's switch to MotoGP after clinching the 2025 WorldSBK title. Razgatlioglu's departure left a huge void at the top, and Bulega has seized the opportunity with both hands, winning 26 of the 27 races held so far in 2026.
With only one race slipping through his fingers, Bulega has showcased remarkable dominance aboard the updated Panigale V4 R. Since May, he has openly hinted at a MotoGP switch, but nothing was official until now. Ducati's confirmation that Bulega will part ways with the factory WorldSBK squad at season's end is the strongest signal yet that an official announcement of his MotoGP move is just around the corner.
Bulega's departure not only paves his own way to MotoGP but also triggers a domino effect in the rider market. Franco Morbidelli is rumored to be heading to Aruba.it Racing Ducati in WorldSBK, while Bulega is expected to take over Morbidelli's seat at VR46 Racing for next season. This move would strengthen Ducati's lineup across both championships and provide invaluable experience for the young charger.
Stefano Cecconi, Team Principal of Aruba.it Racing Ducati, expressed his pride in Bulega's journey with the team. "When we chose Nicolo, we knew we were investing in a young rider with great talent, but the journey we have shared has continued to exceed expectations. His progression makes us particularly proud because it confirms the team's philosophy: believing in hard work, in riders' growth, and in the ability to build important results step-by-step," he said.
Cecconi added that Bulega has integrated exceptionally well and become part of their sporting family. "We will always be grateful to him and will always cheer for him. Before that, however, there is still one mission to complete, so we can celebrate this wonderful adventure in the best possible way," he concluded.
That mission is to mathematically seal the 2026 WorldSBK title, with Bulega's best chance coming at Cremona later in September. Before that, this weekend's San Marino MotoGP provides another backdrop for potential official announcements, with Bulega's presence in the paddock likely to fuel further speculation.
This confirmation is a breath of fresh air for Bulega, who has long awaited his shot at the premier class. Given the talent and consistency he has shown in WorldSBK, he is undoubtedly set to be a formidable force in MotoGP. All eyes now turn to Ducati and VR46 Racing for the official unveiling.
Baca Juga
Ducati Riding Experience di Mandalika: 60 peserta belajar teknik dan safety di atas Panigale V4 S. Instruktur Doni Tata dan Dario Marchetti menekankan pengalaman, bukan kecepatan semata.
Nicolo Bulega dan Aruba.it Racing – Ducati berpisah setelah musim 2026. Bulega mengincar gelar WorldSBK sebelum pindah ke MotoGP bersama VR46.
Jack Miller resmi menandatangani kontrak dua tahun bersama Pata Maxus Yamaha di WorldSBK mulai 2027, menggantikan Xavi Vierge dan menjadi rekan setim Andrea Locatelli.
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