Ducati Pressures VR46 Racing for Bulega's 2027 MotoGP Seat

A major decision is looming in the MotoGP paddock ahead of 2027. Ducati is reportedly pressuring the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team to secure a spot for Nicolo Bulega in the premier class, a move that according to former Honda WorldSBK team manager Jose Manuel Escamez comes with significant financial consequences for Valentino Rossi's squad.

Although there has been no official announcement, it is an open secret that Fermin Aldeguer and Bulega will race for VR46 Racing in 2027. This means Valentino Rossi will have an entirely new rider lineup. Fabio Di Giannantonio has signed a factory contract with KTM, while Franco Morbidelli is expected to move to WorldSBK with Aruba.it Racing – Ducati, effectively swapping seats with Bulega.

Bulega's arrival at VR46 Racing was initially not a foregone conclusion. However, according to Escamez, it is part of a larger agreement with Ducati Corse. Both Aldeguer and Bulega are under contract with Ducati, and with Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta confirmed for the Ducati Lenovo Team, and Joan Mir and Daniel Holgado at BK8 Gresini Racing, VR46 is the only remaining Ducati team to accommodate these two riders.

Read AlsoHarley-Davidson Bagger Set to Rock MotorLand Aragon: 200 HP, 300 km/h, Two Races!

A Choice That Cannot Be Refused

In an interview on Manuel Pecino's YouTube channel, Escamez revealed that Ducati gave VR46 Racing a clear ultimatum. The team, which is not among the wealthiest in the paddock, was offered two factory-spec GP27 bikes and two Ducati-paid riders for free in 2027—but on the condition that Bulega be one of them.

“This was not a choice for VR46 Racing,” said Escamez. “Ducati said: put Bulega in the team and you get both GP27s for free. If not, you have to finance the bikes yourselves.”

According to Escamez, VR46 Racing initially resisted the arrangement but ultimately had to accept it. With the new 850cc regulations in 2027, there will be no previous-year Ducatis available, so all six Ducatis on the grid will be from the same generation. This makes the deal even more crucial for VR46 to remain competitive.

The decision will have a major impact on Bulega's career, as he will jump from WorldSBK to MotoGP after impressive performances with Ducati. For VR46 Racing, it is a bold move that could strengthen the team, but also ties them to a decision not entirely under their control.