Nicolo Bulega has officially joined VR46 for MotoGP 2027, but rumors that he was signed solely for his Pirelli tyre knowledge have prompted team boss Uccio Salucci to speak out. Salucci insists that Bulega's expertise with the Pirelli tyres is not an excessive advantage and was not the main reason behind the team's decision.
Bulega, the newly-crowned World Superbike champion, has been a key part of Ducati's 850cc testing programme ahead of the 2027 regulations overhaul. He is now the most experienced rider contracted for 2027 on the new Pirelli rubber, having previously had limited running on the tyres.
KTM test rider Pol Espargaro recently remarked that Bulega could "smash everyone" at the opening round of the 2027 season due to his experience of the new tyres. However, Salucci responded calmly. "Many people tell me, 'You only hired Bulega because he already knows Pirelli tyres'," Salucci told Sky Italy. "At this level, however, current MotoGP riders need maybe two hours to understand the Pirelli tyres. It's certainly not a disadvantage for him, but it's not an excessively large advantage either. At least, that's my opinion."
Bulega's upgrade status remains unknown. Bulega is contracted to VR46, while team-mate Fermin Aldeguer has a deal directly with Ducati and will therefore hold factory status. This should mean that Aldeguer will receive updates more quickly from the factory. All Ducati riders will start the season on the same specification of bike, but the new regulations cycle will likely mean there will be a delay in new parts arriving to satellite competitors.
Salucci says Ducati is "open" to keeping Bulega's bike up-to-date across the 2027 season, though he has expressed concern about the gap that could open up between factory and satellite bikes. "If we perform well and deserve it, we'll receive updates," Salucci noted. "Ducati and we are open to this possibility, but first we have to wait and see how the first five or six races go. I don't know if the gap will be smaller at the start, because I've already seen a series of updates. That's why I fear the difference between the factory and non-factory bikes will be significant next year, especially from mid-season onwards."
Salucci's concern reflects the challenges faced by satellite teams in the new regulations era. With limited resources, teams like VR46 must be smart in managing bike development. However, Bulega's presence could be a valuable asset, not only for his tyre knowledge but also for his ability to provide detailed technical feedback.
Bulega himself has not yet commented on Salucci's statements. However, his performance in WorldSBK shows that he is a fast and consistent rider, and he is ready to face the new challenge in MotoGP. With the 2027 regulations approaching, all eyes will be on how he adapts to the 850cc bike and Pirelli tyres.
For VR46, the 2027 season will be a tough test. They must prove that the decision to sign Bulega was not just about tyres, but about a potential champion. And with Ducati open to updates, that opportunity still exists. But as Salucci says, everything will be seen in the first few races.
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