WorldSBK Leader Bulega Joins MotoGP in 2027
WorldSBK Leader Bulega Joins MotoGP in 2027
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Key Points
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Aruba.it Racing Ducati team principal Stefano Cecconi praised Bulega’s development, saying his progress reflects the team’s philosophy of investing in riders and building results “step-by-step.”
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VR46’s 2027 lineup overhaul is partly driven by other departures: Fabio Di Giannantonio is moving to KTM, where he will be joined by Alex Marquez, while Franco Morbidelli is also leaving the team after 2026.
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Ducati made Bulega an official MotoGP test rider for 2026, allowing him to help develop the 850cc engine and bike for the 2027 regulations; that experience could give him an advantage in his rookie season.
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Bulega’s move places him among a select group of riders who have progressed from WorldSBK to MotoGP, including Cal Crutchlow, Ben Spies and Chris Vermeulen, all of whom later achieved MotoGP podiums or victories.
Nicolo Bulega will graduate from Ducati's factory WorldSBK team to MotoGP in 2027, joining VR46 Ducati alongside Fermin Aldeguer. The 26-year-old Italian has dominated the 2026 Superbike season, winning 26 of 27 races, according to Grande Premio, after setting a record with 25 consecutive victories and finishing runner-up in his first two championship campaigns.
Bulega's move marks a homecoming to the VR46 organization, where he launched his world championship career, according to Quotidiano Sportivo. The transition reunites him with Valentino Rossi's team while making room for Franco Morbidelli to replace him at Ducati's WorldSBK squad.
A Record-Breaking Domination of Superbikes
Bulega has been nearly unstoppable in the 2026 WorldSBK season, winning 26 of 27 races. His 25 consecutive victories set a championship record. After finishing second in 2024 and 2025, he finally claimed the title this year, demonstrating steady progress through the podium ranks.
From Test Rider to Full-Time MotoGP Rookie
Ducati appointed Bulega as an official MotoGP test rider for 2026, giving him a crucial head start. He helped develop the new 850cc engine and bike for the 2027 regulations, according to HeadTopics. This hands-on experience with next-year's machinery could smooth his transition from Superbikes to MotoGP's most demanding class.
Bulega has already made two MotoGP appearances as a Ducati substitute rider, gaining race-day familiarity with the premier class. Combined with his factory test work, he arrives as one of the best-prepared rookies in recent memory.
VR46 Overhauls Its Lineup for the New Era
Bulega's signing completes Ducati's 2027 MotoGP roster, according to HeadTopics. The VR46 organization is reshaping itself after several departures: Fabio Di Giannantonio moves to KTM alongside Alex Marquez, while Franco Morbidelli also leaves the squad after 2026, creating space for fresh talent.
The restructuring positions VR46 for a new chapter under Ducati's 850cc engine rules. Bulega's arrival brings proven race-winning experience from WorldSBK, pairing him with young sensation Aldeguer for a balanced rookie-era lineup.
Joining Superbike Legends Who Made the Jump
Bulega joins a rare group of WorldSBK-to-MotoGP success stories. Cal Crutchlow, Ben Spies, and Chris Vermeulen all made the transition and scored podiums or victories in MotoGP, proving Superbike excellence can translate to the premier class. Bulega's record-breaking form suggests he could follow that proven path upward.
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