Nicolo Bulega has become the talk of the MotoGP paddock recently. The Italian rider is reported to have already tested Ducati's 850cc bike on Pirelli tyres for 10 days of private testing. That's far more than other regular riders, who will only get their first taste of the new machine at the post-season test in Valencia on December 1.
The switch from Michelin to Pirelli for the 2027 season is arguably one of the biggest changes in modern MotoGP history. Two official test days have been held behind closed doors at Brno and Spielberg, each on the Monday after the race weekend. However, only some riders were able to participate. Names like Fabio Quartararo, Francesco Bagnaia, Jorge Martin, and several rookies must wait until Valencia to try the 850cc prototype.
Weather conditions are expected to make the Valencia test more about adapting riders to new teams and adjusting riding positions. Additionally, the number of test days for next season has been cut: regular riders will get just two days at Sepang, followed by another two days in Buriram. Before the official Sepang test, there will be two shakedown days reserved for test riders and rookies.
This is where Bulega's advantage becomes even more glaring. In addition to 10 days of private testing, he is also allowed to take part in the two-day shakedown at Sepang at the end of January. That means he will have vastly more time on the 850cc prototype than any other rider. This has sparked a strong reaction from Pol Espargaro, KTM's test rider who was present at the private Mugello test between the Misano and Spielberg races.
"Crazy. It's absolutely crazy. And I would also say unfair, because he's going to be a permanent rider next year with the amount of kilometres," Espargaro said. "He's building this bike around him, it's going to be perfect for him. He's going to know the bike perfectly. He's going to know the tyres perfectly. He's going to have the two more extra days in shakedown. So the amount of experience and speed he's going to have is going to be insane."
Espargaro also highlighted the unfairness for riders moving up from Moto2 to MotoGP compared to the MotoGP riders who stay. "If I would be racing, I would have a lot of advantage to the guys. Imagine Bulega that came from a championship that the bike is pretty similar to..." he said, illustrating the competitive gap that has been created.
With new technical regulations and different Pirelli tyres, adaptation is key. Bulega, known for his quick adaptation, seems to be one step ahead. However, ethical questions arise: is this a smart strategy by Ducati or a form of systemic unfairness? One thing is clear, the MotoGP paddock is heating up, and all eyes will be on Bulega when the 2027 season kicks off.
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