Nicolo Bulega’s path to MotoGP once appeared clearly mapped out, but it is now increasingly likely that the current World Superbike Championship leader may have to wait longer, with a 2027 move now in doubt.
MotoGP is set for a major technical overhaul next year, with new regulations stipulating 850cc engines, reduced aerodynamics, a ban on ride-height devices and a switch to Pirelli tyres.
With this in mind, Ducati appointed Bulega as a test rider for its 850cc prototype last year, aiming to capitalise on his extensive experience with Pirelli tyres gained in the WSBK. While the tyres used in MotoGP will not be identical, his familiarity with the manufacturer was seen as a valuable asset.
The move was widely interpreted as a first step towards what Bulega has never denied as his ultimate ambition: a promotion to the premier class. Ducati’s decision to field him as a substitute for Marc Marquez in the final two races of last season, as well as in the post-season Valencia test, further suggested the Borgo Panigale manufacturer was evaluating his potential on the Desmosedici GP.
Adapting to a new category over the course of a race weekend is never straightforward, and Bulega finished 15th in both Portimao and Valencia, scoring two points. However, he made clear progress during the Valencia test, where he had more track time available, quickly bringing his pace closer to that of Ducati’s established riders.
Heading into the 2026 Superbike season as the clear favourite — bolstered by a heavily updated Panigale V4 and Toprak Razgatlioglu's departure to Pramac in MotoGP — the former World Supersport champion has lived up to expectations. He secured two clean sweeps at the opening rounds in Phillip Island and Portimao, leaving his rivals with little opportunity to challenge.
MotoGP therefore seemed like the natural next step. However, rider market dynamics follow their own logic, and Bulega now appears to be effectively out of contention for a Ducati seat.
Although official announcements will only come once manufacturers finalise agreements with MotoGP Sports Entertainment (formerly Dorna) through to 2031, five of the six Desmosedici GP seats on the 2027 grid are already effectively taken.
Alongside the confirmed Marc Marquez, Pedro Acosta is set to join from KTM, replacing Francesco Bagnaia in the factory team, with Bagnaia expected to move to Aprilia.
At VR46, Fabio Di Giannantonio is set to retain his seat, partnering Fermin Aldeguer, who will remain within the Ducati fold while stepping into Valentino Rossi’s factory-supported outfit.
Gresini Racing, meanwhile, is expected to lose both of its current riders, with Alex Marquez poised to join the KTM factory team. Nadia Padovani’s squad is instead set to recruit one of Moto2’s most promising talents, Daniel Holgado.
The final remaining Ducati seat could potentially go to a returning Enea Bastianini, who finished third in the 2022 championship with Gresini, taking four victories that season.
The lack of space for Bulega has also been acknowledged by his manager, Alberto Martinelli, who told Motorsport.com's sister title GPOne.com that no concrete offer is currently on the table.
“As of today, we don’t have a written offer,” he said. “We are working and speaking with everyone, but nothing is defined at the moment. Nicolo is not the first choice — otherwise he would already be signed.
"We need to be ready if an opportunity opens up. At Ducati, it looks like almost all the bikes are already assigned. Maybe one remains free, but it depends on many movements.
“It doesn’t take much to change everything, but right now it’s a very uncertain situation. There are also other factors to consider — in my opinion, nationality also plays a role. MotoGP today is influenced by many different balances.
“I believe that if Nicolo had a technically competitive opportunity in MotoGP, he would be at the front. But I also understand the teams: after only a few races, it’s difficult to make definitive decisions."
For now, however, there is no fallback plan in place while the door to MotoGP remains open.
“I’m not going to write our own obituary ahead of time,” Martinelli added. “As long as there is hope, we will keep working towards that goal. If the move to the other paddock doesn’t happen, we will reassess everything calmly.
“At the moment, Nicolo has had an opportunity as a test rider for the 850cc MotoGP bike, and we are grateful to Ducati for that. But his dream is MotoGP, as he has said many times, and that is where all our efforts are focused.”
