World Superbike Star Nicolò Bulega Set to Make MotoGP Debut, Stepping in for Injured Marc Márquez at Ducati for Season Finale Double-Header

Ducati Corse has officially announced that Nicolò Bulega, the highly-rated World Superbike rider, will fill the seat vacated by Marc Márquez for the final two rounds of the 2025 MotoGP season. Márquez, the reigning MotoGP champion, has been sidelined since sustaining a fractured shoulder at the Indonesian Grand Prix held at the Mandalika International Street Circuit in early October. The injury forced him to miss the subsequent races in Australia and Malaysia, and the decision was subsequently made for him to sit out the remainder of the championship to fully recover.

The absence of Márquez has been a significant blow to the Ducati factory team. The eight-time World Champion, who secured his maiden MotoGP title in 2025, had been a dominant force throughout the season, leading the championship standings comfortably before his unfortunate injury. His absence not only impacted Ducati’s chances of securing the team championship but also disrupted the development program for the GP25 machine.

In the two races following the Indonesian Grand Prix, Ducati’s test rider, Michele Pirro, was drafted in as Márquez’s replacement. However, Pirro, a veteran with extensive experience in MotoGP testing, failed to score any points in either the Australian or Malaysian rounds, highlighting the challenge of stepping into a competitive environment mid-season without consistent race experience. Pirro’s performance underscored the difficulty of adapting to the intense pressure and competition of MotoGP, even for a seasoned test rider familiar with the Ducati machinery.

The possibility of Bulega stepping up to MotoGP had been circulating within the paddock for some time. The 26-year-old Italian rider, currently competing in the World Superbike Championship, has emerged as one of Ducati’s brightest prospects. Before being confirmed for the role, Bulega underwent a crucial test aboard the Ducati GP25 machine at Jerez, Spain, on Thursday. This test provided him with valuable experience and allowed him to assess his readiness for the demanding transition to MotoGP.

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Following the successful test at Jerez, Bulega expressed his confidence in taking on the challenge. He is now scheduled to make his MotoGP debut at the Portuguese Grand Prix, to be held at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão, followed by the season-ending Valencia Grand Prix at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo. These two races will mark a significant milestone in Bulega’s career, providing him with an opportunity to showcase his talent on the world stage and gain valuable experience in the premier class of motorcycle racing.

Bulega’s journey to MotoGP has been marked by consistent progress and impressive performances. After spending three years in Moto2, he made the switch to Supersport in 2022. His talent was quickly recognized, and he signed with Ducati to compete in the Supersport World Championship. He quickly established himself as a frontrunner, displaying exceptional skill and determination.

In his first season in Supersport, Bulega secured several podium finishes and consistently challenged for race wins. He further cemented his reputation as a rising star in 2023, dominating the championship and ultimately securing the title. His dominant performance in Supersport earned him a promotion to the World Superbike Championship for the 2024 season, where he has continued to impress.

Reflecting on his unexpected opportunity, Bulega stated: "I’m very happy to be able to close out a season like this with a nice last-minute surprise. Making my MotoGP debut is every kid’s dream who aspires to become a racer. Furthermore, being able to ride the world championship-winning bike in the last two races of 2025 makes it even more exciting. It will be quite a challenge; I don’t have any specific expectations. I’ll approach this experience with all the necessary calm, also because, for now, I’ve only been able to test the Desmosedici GP at Jerez. That said, I certainly have no shortage of motivation to do well and give my all."

Bulega’s signing with Ducati dates back to his Supersport debut, reflecting the Italian manufacturer’s commitment to nurturing young talent. His two seasons in the championship were characterized by consistent improvement and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His dominant 2023 campaign showcased his ability to perform under pressure and solidified his status as a future star.

Ducati Corse General Manager Gigi Dall’Igna expressed his satisfaction with Bulega’s progress, stating: "I’m very happy to see Bulega working on the Desmosedici GP. Nicolò has been part of the Ducati Corse family since 2022, when we chose him to ride in Supersport. We believed in him, and he has repaid that faith with two seasons as the undisputed star in Superbike, where he came close to the title and became our benchmark rider."

For the final two rounds of the 2025 season, Bulega will partner with Francesco Bagnaia, the reigning MotoGP champion, at the factory Ducati team. This pairing presents a unique opportunity for Bulega to learn from one of the most accomplished riders in the sport and gain invaluable experience alongside a championship-winning team.

Looking ahead, Bulega is slated to become Ducati’s test rider in MotoGP alongside Michele Pirro next year. This role will provide him with further opportunities to develop his skills, contribute to the evolution of the Ducati machinery, and potentially position himself for a full-time seat in the premier class from 2027 onwards. Ducati’s investment in Bulega underscores their commitment to building a strong foundation for the future, ensuring a pipeline of talented riders capable of competing at the highest level.

The upcoming races in Portugal and Valencia will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as Bulega embarks on his MotoGP journey and aims to make a significant impact in his debut appearances. His performance will not only be a test of his individual skills but also a reflection of Ducati’s development program and their ability to identify and nurture promising young talent.

The absence of Marc Márquez continues to be felt within the Ducati camp, but the emergence of Nicolò Bulega offers a glimmer of hope and excitement for the future. As Bulega prepares to take on the challenge of MotoGP, he carries the weight of expectation and the opportunity to prove himself as a worthy successor to the champions who have ridden for Ducati in the past. His debut is a story of opportunity meeting preparation, and the motorsport world eagerly awaits to see what he can achieve.