Nicolo Bulega can finally smile. After years of doubt, the Italian rider has officially clinched the 2025 WorldSBK championship with Ducati Aruba. Yet behind the glittering trophy lies a painful story that nearly ended his racing career.
In an exclusive interview with Corriere della Sera, Bulega opened up about his dark days in Moto2. His last two seasons in the class, 2020 and 2021, were a nightmare. He finished only 20th and 26th in the standings. More than just poor results, he lost his passion.
“The last two seasons in Moto2. I wasn't having fun anymore, even packing my suitcase for races felt like a burden,” he recalled. At his lowest, Bulega would look for any excuse not to travel. “I would have found any excuse not to go. I felt no stimuli, no motivation. I traveled convinced I would race badly. With a mindset like that, you lose half a second even before the start.”
Bulega even considered quitting racing altogether. “I was almost forced to. When you leave the world of motorcycles and you're not winning, you have to find another job to live.” It was at that lowest point that Ducati offered a lifeline, inviting him to restart in WorldSSP in 2022.
At first, Bulega hesitated. “My manager, Alberto Martinelli, saw it more clearly than I did and I thank him for that. I didn't want to accept; it seemed like too big a step backwards.” But Ducati convinced him it was a chance to rebuild. “They made me feel part of a project. I would race with an official Ducati, dressed in red like real riders, and if I was fast, I would move up to Superbike.”
That decision proved to be a turning point. Bulega not only rediscovered his best form but also became a dominant force in WorldSBK. This season, he delivered consistent performances to seal the world title, proving that Ducati's support and restored confidence were the keys to his success.
Bulega's story is a reminder that behind every champion lies a long struggle and fragile moments. Now, he can cry tears of joy, not frustration, for an extraordinary achievement.
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