P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Ducati has spoken of the importance Nicolo Bulega will have for its 2027 MotoGP project
Ducati MotoGP team boss Davide Tardozzi has confirmed that Nicolo Bulega will be the key developer for the team’s 2027 bike, indicating a potential future race seat for him. Bulega made his MotoGP debut at the Portuguese Grand Prix as Marc Marquez’s replacement at the factory Ducati squad. Despite being signed to a factory Ducati contract in World Superbikes for 2026, Bulega’s deal included MotoGP test outings. His experience with Pirelli tires is seen as beneficial for Ducati’s 2027 development plans. Tardozzi stated that Bulega will lead the bike development, leveraging his experience and speed with the tires in 2026. The possibility of Bulega securing a race seat with a Ducati team in 2027 is reinforced by this important testing role. Although restricted by concession regulations from participating in wildcard outings with Ducati next year, Bulega ended the first day of the Portuguese Grand Prix in 17th place. Tardozzi praised Bulega’s performance on the GP25 as “fantastic”, while Bulega acknowledged that his riding could improve. Pecco Bagnaia, Bulega’s teammate, was the second fastest on Friday at Portimao.
