P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The specific reason one Ducati star isn’t worried about bike hopping in 2026
Ducati rider Nicolo Bulega is confident about switching between World Superbike and MotoGP bikes in 2026, as both use Pirelli tires. He will continue with Ducati’s World Superbike team after a close title miss last year. Bulega is favored to be MotoGP champion on the Panigale V4 in 2026, with Toprak Razgatlioglu moving to MotoGP. Despite the bike changes, Bulega is comfortable testing the new 850cc 2027 Ducati in MotoGP.
Bulega managed a MotoGP debut last year, filling in for Marc Marquez, and scored points in the final two races. Adapting back to the Panigale after his brief MotoGP stint was key during a recent test. The difference between Michelin tires in MotoGP and Pirellis in World Superbikes posed challenges for Bulega. However, with upcoming tests on the MotoGP bike using Pirelli rubber, he expects the transition to be smoother and less complicated.
A potential opportunity for Bulega to ride in MotoGP this season may arise if needed due to injuries, as Ducati may prefer to keep Michele Pirro focused on the 2027 project. This could see Bulega stepping in, leveraging his recent experience with the GP25 on the world stage.
