Rumours surrounding Nicolo Bulega and a possible move to MotoGP in 2027 are beginning to look increasingly uncertain.
The Italian currently leads the WorldSBK standings after winning all six races of the 2026 campaign so far, extending a remarkable run of ten consecutive victories and emerging as the clear favourite to claim his first title in the production-based series.
Bulega is aiming to bring his career full circle. After leaving the VR46 Riders Academy, the Italian rebuilt his reputation in the World Supersport class en-route to dominating the 2023 season.
That success earned him a step up to the Superbike World Championship, where he finished runner-up to Toprak Razgatlioglu in 2024 and 2025. Now, the next step could see him return to the MotoGP paddock after winning the WorldSBK title, completing an unlikely journey back to the sport’s highest level.
The 26-year-old has been linked with a switch to MotoGP, with speculation suggesting he could follow Razgatlioglu into the premier class and potentially secure a Ducati seat in 2027 ahead of the sport’s new technical regulations.
Those rule changes will significantly overhaul the series and introduce Pirelli as MotoGP’s tyre supplier. Ducati already values Bulega’s experience with Pirelli tyres, which has led to him taking on a test rider role alongside his WorldSBK duties.
Bulega has also already made appearances in MotoGP. The Ducati rider was called up to replace the injured Marc Marquez at the final rounds of the season in Portimao and Valencia, finishing 15th in both races.
The question of where Bulega could end up is now uncertain due to reports suggesting that all three Ducati-backed MotoGP teams are close to finalising their line-ups.
The factory Ducati outfit is reportedly set to retain Marquez while signing KTM’s Pedro Acosta.
Meanwhile, Gresini Racing is reportedly expected to field an entirely new line-up consisting of Daniel Holgado and Enea Bastianini.
At VR46 Racing Team, which appears to be the last realistic option, the team is expected to sign Fermin Aldeguer to partner Fabio Di Giannantonio.
While Di Giannantonio is still in discussions over his future, Bulega’s chances of securing the seat appear to be fading as VR46 looks to move quickly to finalise its line-up.
“I’m giving 100%. Not just here, but also at home. I’m working very hard because I know this could be my year and I don’t want to miss the opportunity to win,” Bulega told media, including Motorsport Week, at the recent Portimao WorldSBK round.
“I’m working hard, and I hope that hard work pays off.”
Bulega’s manager, Alberto Martinelli, admitted in an interview with GPone that no offer had been presented in an interview, adding: “As of today, we don’t have a written offer in hand.
“We’re working and talking to everyone, but at the moment nothing is set in stone.
“Right now, everything is very delicate: KTM, Honda, Gresini. There are still many pieces to be put in place.
“Everyone is waiting, and no-one is really closing the deal. Nicolo isn’t the first choice, otherwise he’d already be set.
“We have to be ready if a spot opens up. At Ducati, it seems like almost all the bikes are already assigned.
He added: “Maybe there’s one left, but it depends on a lot of changes. It doesn’t take much to change everything, but right now it’s a very uncertain situation, and then there’s another aspect taking centre stage.”
Martinelli described Bulega’s nationality as a potential disadvantage, but if no MotoGP seat arrives, both parties will “reassess everything.”
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