Nicolo Bulega's long-awaited move to MotoGP is finally official. The World Superbike championship leader will join the satellite Ducati team, VR46, from 2027. The announcement came on Wednesday, perfectly timed with MotoGP's transition to 850cc bikes and Pirelli tyres.
This isn't just a promotion; it's a strategic move. Bulega, at 26, has been dominating World Superbike and is arguably the best-prepared rider for the new era. His familiarity with Pirelli rubber, extensive testing with Ducati's 850cc prototype, and a fresh start away from Michelin give him a unique edge.
A Career of Highs and Lows
Bulega's path hasn't been straightforward. A decade ago, he was the golden boy of Valentino Rossi's VR46 academy, winning the CEV Moto3 title in 2015. But after a strong rookie Moto3 season, his career stalled. Growth spurts and off-track issues derailed his progress, and he eventually left VR46 for Gresini in Moto2, where he faded from the spotlight.
His resurgence came in World Superbike. After dominating World Supersport in 2023, he stepped up to Ducati's factory team and immediately challenged for the title. In 2024 and 2025, he narrowly missed out to Toprak Razgatlioglu, but with Razgatlioglu leaving, Bulega is now the heavy favorite and likely champion this year.
Ducati's decision to place Bulega at VR46 is a bold statement. With his preparation and Ducati's support, he's expected to fight at the front from the start. The 850cc era with Pirelli could be the perfect stage for him to prove he belongs among MotoGP's elite.
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