Ducati has decided to bring Nicolo Bulega into its MotoGP programme for 2027, following his dominant WorldSBK campaign and his work on the manufacturer’s new 850 cc machine. Bulega has been testing the bike throughout the year, contributing to the development of the motorcycle intended for the following season.

Gigi Dall’Igna says Bulega’s lap times at the circuits used for testing have been very good, while Ducati is highly satisfied with his contribution to the project. The Ducati Corse general manager is nevertheless refusing to make a firm prediction about the move. He considers Bulega’s likely level in MotoGP difficult to judge at this stage and wants to wait for the Valencia test. The early pace is encouraging, but it is not yet a guarantee of how the Italian will perform in the premier class.

The testing programme has also been interrupted by injury. Bulega crashed at Mugello, hurt his left shoulder and consequently missed the post-race test in Austria. He then went to Cremona, where he finished second in all three races across the weekend. That was his least successful WorldSBK weekend of the season, but the advantage built earlier in the campaign was enough to secure the title at round 10.

Morbidelli strongly indicated for the vacant seat

Ducati has not yet announced Bulega’s replacement in its factory WorldSBK team. Franco Morbidelli, the 2017 Moto2 champion, appears to be the leading candidate for the seat alongside Iker Lecuona, after both Morbidelli and Claudio Domenicali strongly indicated that he would take it. The appointment remains unannounced, however. Bulega’s next major checkpoint is the Valencia test, which should give Ducati a clearer basis for judging his speed and adaptation to MotoGP machinery.