Nicolo Bulega Reveals Concrete KTM MotoGP Option for 2027

Reigning World Superbike champion Nicolo Bulega has revealed that he had a concrete option to join the KTM factory stable in MotoGP for the 2027 season before ultimately signing a deal with the VR46 squad.

The Italian rider previously joined Ducati's premier class testing programme for 2026 to help spearhead the development of the new 850cc machine while utilizing his extensive knowledge of Pirelli tyres.

While this involvement was widely viewed as a guaranteed stepping stone toward a full-time premier class seat within the Borgo Panigale manufacturer for 2027, the rider market dynamics briefly placed his future in a moment of suspense.

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Before securing his future, Bulega had been linked to a potential move to Trackhouse Racing Aprilia alongside serious interest from the Austrian manufacturer's camp as the rider market evolved throughout the campaign.

Speaking in an interview with GPOne, Bulega confessed that his most concrete alternative at one stage was indeed KTM, whereas potential pathways with Aprilia remained far more limited.

"We had to wait for the most important riders, those at the centre of the market, to make their moves," Bulega said.

"The possibility of joining KTM was there, and it was probably the most concrete."

"My manager had met with some executives."

"There was also a possibility, perhaps more limited, with Aprilia."

Despite concrete approaches from rival manufacturers, the Italian maintained that his heart remained set on continuing his successful journey with the Italian factory that brought him immense success in production-based racing.

"However, I've always said I would have liked to continue with Ducati," he explained.

"I arrived in 2022, we started in Supersport and then they gave me the opportunity to race directly in Superbike with the factory team."

"We won a lot of races and this year the world championship arrived - the icing on the cake. Continuing with Ducati was my greatest desire and in the end we achieved it. Now a new challenge begins."

Looking ahead to next year, he is set to partner with Fermin Aldeguer inside the VR46 Ducati garage. Several competitors have already tipped him to become an immediate threat during the opening rounds of 2027 due to his profound technical familiarity with the latest prototype machinery.

Before officially making his high-profile transition to the premier class, Bulega will make his final WorldSBK appearance with the manufacturer this weekend at Jerez, wrapping up a stellar chapter in his career.