P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Valentino Rossi’s ‘don’t give a damn and race’ message to one rookie
Italian World Superbike star Nicolo Bulega initially had doubts about joining Ducati in MotoGP in 2025, but was encouraged by Valentino Rossi to embrace the opportunity and focus on racing. Following a shoulder injury that sidelined Marc Marquez, Bulega stepped in to ride Marquez’s GP25 for the final two rounds of the season, where he performed impressively and earned valuable points. Seeking guidance, Bulega turned to Rossi, his former mentor from the VR46 Academy, who advised him to trust his instincts and pursue the MotoGP opportunity. With Rossi’s support, Bulega is poised to contribute to Ducati’s development of the 850cc bike for the upcoming 2027 regulations reset, potentially leading to a race seat with the brand in the following season. Despite uncertainties, Bulega’s close relationship with Rossi and his strong showing in World Superbikes position him as a top contender for the 2026 championship, especially with Razgatlioglu’s move to MotoGP opening up new opportunities in the series.
