P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Ducati has named its World Superbike championship leader Nicolo Bulega as a MotoGP test rider next year, putting him firmly in contention for a potential return to grand prix racing in 2027
Ducati has named Nicolo Bulega, the current World Superbike championship leader, as a MotoGP test rider for next year, potentially setting up his return to grand prix racing in 2027. Bulega, a former standout in Valentino Rossi’s VR46 scheme, struggled in Moto3 and Moto2 before finding success in World Superbike with Ducati. While his rival, Toprak Razgatlioglu, is expected to move to MotoGP with Pramac Yamaha next year, Bulega has signed a new one-year WSBK deal that includes MotoGP testing duties. Bulega’s focus remains on winning the WSBK title for Ducati, with both him and Ducati’s tech chief emphasizing the importance of this goal. The future beyond 2026 will depend on how Bulega performs in his testing role and in WSBK competition, as MotoGP prepares for new technical regulations and Pirelli tires in 2027. Ducati sees Bulega as a valuable asset for developing the Desmosedici GP to suit Pirelli tires, highlighting his importance in their MotoGP plans.
