MotoGP, Sportrik Media – Nicolo Bulega of Ducati Lenovo Team earned high praise from fellow Ducati rider Pecco Bagnaia for his Portuguese Grand Prix 2025 debut, where he was deemed to "need little advice" in adapting to the premier class. The 25-year-old Italian, a two-time World Superbike runner-up, was called up by Ducati for the final two rounds to stand in for the injured Marc Marquez, immediately displaying competitive speed despite a 15th-place finish in the main race following a sprint crash. His 99 prior grands prix starts in Moto3 and Moto2, coupled with VR46 Academy ties to Bagnaia, provided a strong foundation for the shift from World Superbike to MotoGP.
Bulega's Portimao debut highlighted his quick adaptation to the Ducati Desmosedici GP25, though challenges arose from the Michelin front tire's differences compared to Pirelli in WSBK. Qualifying 18th, a second shy of Q2, and a sprint crash due to braking misunderstandings did not derail his grand prix recovery. Bagnaia, the two-time world champion, lauded Bulega's immediate strength. "He didn’t need too much advice," Bagnaia remarked. "He was very strong from the start, and he was just unlucky [in the sprint] to crash. Maybe he lost a bit of confidence. But finishing the first race in the points is a good result, so he can be very happy. In Valencia, he can do another step in front." This acclaim underscores Bulega's potential as a Ducati asset, especially after consecutive WSBK vice-championships.
Bulega's grand prix pace analysis reveals a mere 0.8-second-per-lap deficit to Bagnaia on average, even as the latter crashed on lap 11 of 25. Telemetry data showed Bulega maintaining consistency in wet conditions, with lap times nearing his teammate's in critical high-speed sectors. Here's an early-lap pace comparison:
| Lap | PB63 (H/M) | NB11 (H/M) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1m38.915s | 1m40.352s |
| 3 | 1m38.804s | 1m39.762s |
| 4 | 1m38.872s | 1m39.845s |
| 5 | 1m39.119s | 1m39.979s |
| 6 | 1m39.155s | 1m39.88s |
| 7 | 1m39.029s | 1m39.872s |
| 8 | 1m39.35s | 1m39.846s |
| 9 | 1m39.23s | 1m40.066s |
| 10 | 1m39.042s | 1m39.865s |
| Average | 1m39.057s | 1m39.941s |
| Difference | - | -0.884s |
This table illustrates how Bulega, as a rookie, swiftly tuned suspension setups to optimize Michelin traction, demanding more progressive braking. Compared to past Ducati stand-ins, Bulega's outing exceeded initial expectations, particularly under team boss Davide Tardozzi's guidance. Tardozzi highlighted the final two races plus Valencia test as prime opportunities for Bulega to gather GP25 data, serving as a benchmark for the 2027 machine's development.
In broader context, Bulega's role bridges WSBK and MotoGP, enriching Ducati Corse's ecosystem alongside VR46 alumni like Bagnaia to bolster Italian talent. While Marquez's absence created this slot, Bulega not only fills it but adds valuable insights for machine evolution, including aerodynamics and electronics to be tested in Valencia. Ducati's wildcard strategy aligns with long-term vision, potentially elevating Bulega to a full-time role if momentum sustains.
Ultimately, Bulega's Portuguese debut marks a positive milestone for Ducati ahead of the November 14-16, 2025, Valencia finale, with hopes he surpasses P15 toward a top-10. His 2027 development prospects promise significant contributions, transforming a deputy stint into a strategic asset. For the latest updates, visit Sportrik.com.
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