Bulega Navigates Michelin Challenge in MotoGP Debut, Aims for 2027 Grid Spot

Nicolo Bulega, the World Superbike (WSBK) standout, recently navigated a significant transition, substituting for Marc Marquez on the factory Ducati MotoGP bike. Bulega’s debut, marked by a cautious approach and a single championship point in Portugal, highlighted the considerable adjustments required when switching from the Pirelli-equipped WSBK to MotoGP’s Michelin tires.

The Italian rider’s primary focus at Portimao was adapting to the relative lack of front-end feel and braking performance offered by the Michelin front tire compared to what he’s accustomed to in WSBK. This transition comes at an interesting juncture for MotoGP, as the series is set to switch to Pirelli as its control tire supplier in 2027. This impending change is a significant factor in Ducati’s decision to involve Bulega in the development of their 2027 MotoGP machine, alongside his ongoing commitments in the World Superbike Championship for the upcoming year.

Bulega’s weekend began with a qualifying position of 18th. His initial foray into MotoGP racing during the Saturday sprint race ended prematurely due to a braking error. This setback served as a crucial learning experience, compelling him to recalibrate his expectations and braking strategies for the main race on Sunday.

"Honestly, for me today it was very important to finish the race, because yesterday I made an inexperienced mistake," Bulega commented after the Grand Prix. "My only target today was just to finish the race. On the first lap, I was very calm. I was just trying to warm the front tire to understand how to brake."

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The challenge for Bulega was not merely adapting to the different tire characteristics but also overriding deeply ingrained habits developed over years of racing on Pirelli tires. "I was repeating to myself all race long, every time I braked, ‘Don’t brake like it’s a Pirelli, don’t brake like it’s a Pirelli’," he explained. "The Pirelli [World Superbike tire] gives you more confidence. So for me it’s more difficult coming from Superbikes to MotoGP, because you come from a bike that gives you a lot of confidence to MotoGP with a Michelin that doesn’t give you a lot of confidence."

The mental recalibration required was evident in his race performance. "I repeated in my mind all the race, ‘Don’t brake like it’s a superbike, don’t brake like it’s a superbike!’" Bulega stated. Despite the initial caution, he encountered further challenges during the race. "When I caught Miguel Oliveira and the guys in front, I made a mistake at Turn 5. I went very wide and I lost two or three seconds."

Interestingly, Bulega set his fastest lap on the 23rd of 25 laps, a time when most riders had already pushed for their quickest times much earlier in the race. This late surge underscored his ongoing learning process and adaptation to the MotoGP bike and tires.

"In the last laps, I was trying to adapt my riding style to the bike, and I think I understood some things that are interesting. I will try to [apply these] from the beginning [next weekend] in Valencia. My best lap was with two laps to go, when the tire was already finished. I was catching the guys in front, but then the race was finished," he noted.

Bulega acknowledged that his current approach is far from natural. "So for me now, I’m not riding naturally. I’m thinking about what I have to do on the bike. When you ride like this, it’s difficult to go fast."

With Marc Marquez anticipated to return to his seat the following season, Bulega’s MotoGP outings are currently limited. However, he has expressed a strong interest in securing a contract for the 2027 season, especially given the impending switch to Pirelli tires and the arrival of his WSBK rival Toprak Razgatlioglu in MotoGP next year.

"When I saw Toprak go to MotoGP and then I saw that in 2027 there will be the Pirelli tire, I thought, ‘I’m fighting with Toprak, he’s going to MotoGP, in 2027 there will be the Pirelli’, so my idea has changed a bit," Bulega revealed.

The 2027 season, with its new technical regulations and Pirelli tires, presents an attractive prospect for Bulega. "So yes, I would like [to do MotoGP], especially in 2027, when the bikes will be a little easier and a little more similar to the Superbike."

Background and Context

Nicolo Bulega, born on October 16, 1999, in Riccione, Italy, has steadily risen through the ranks of motorcycle racing. His early career saw him compete in the FIM CEV Moto3 Junior World Championship, where he demonstrated considerable talent. In 2015, he finished second in the championship, signaling his potential on the world stage.

Bulega entered the Moto3 World Championship in 2016 with Sky Racing Team VR46, managed by Valentino Rossi. His rookie season saw promising performances, including a fourth-place finish at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez. However, subsequent seasons in Moto3 were marked by inconsistency, and he failed to secure a podium finish.

In 2019, Bulega moved to the Moto2 World Championship, continuing with the VR46 team. His time in Moto2 was similarly challenging, with occasional flashes of brilliance overshadowed by inconsistent results. Despite showing potential, he did not achieve the breakthrough performances needed to establish himself as a top contender in the intermediate class.

A turning point in Bulega’s career came with his switch to the World Superbike Championship in 2022. Joining the Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP team, he quickly adapted to the Supersport category. In 2023, he dominated the WorldSSP Championship, securing the title with a series of impressive performances, including multiple race wins and podiums. This success propelled him back into the spotlight and opened the door for his MotoGP opportunity.

Ducati’s interest in Bulega is strategically aligned with the impending changes in MotoGP. The switch to Pirelli tires in 2027 represents a significant shift, and having a rider with extensive experience on Pirelli rubber is seen as a valuable asset for development. Bulega’s WSBK background makes him uniquely positioned to provide feedback and insights that could prove crucial in shaping Ducati’s 2027 MotoGP machine.

The backdrop to Bulega’s debut is also marked by the absence of Marc Marquez, a multiple-time MotoGP World Champion. Marquez’s absence due to injury created an opportunity for Bulega to showcase his abilities on the premier stage. While Bulega’s primary objective was to gather data and adapt to the MotoGP environment, his performance was closely scrutinized as a potential indicator of his future prospects in the series.

The dynamic between Bulega and Toprak Razgatlioglu adds another layer of intrigue. Razgatlioglu, a highly regarded WSBK rider, has made the decision to switch to MotoGP next year, further intensifying the competition among riders transitioning from WSBK to MotoGP. Bulega’s stated desire to compete in MotoGP, particularly in 2027 when the regulations are expected to align more closely with WSBK, underscores his ambition to establish himself in the premier class.

Looking Ahead

As Bulega prepares for his next MotoGP outing in Valencia, his focus remains on refining his riding style and gaining a deeper understanding of the Ducati MotoGP bike and Michelin tires. The data collected from his debut in Portugal will be invaluable in guiding his approach and adjustments.

The broader context of MotoGP’s future, with the impending switch to Pirelli tires and the new technical regulations in 2027, positions Bulega as a rider to watch. His experience with Pirelli tires, combined with his adaptability and determination, could make him a strong contender for a full-time MotoGP ride in the coming years.

Bulega’s journey from Moto3 and Moto2 to World Superbike and now MotoGP exemplifies the diverse paths riders take in pursuit of their racing dreams. His ability to overcome challenges and adapt to different racing environments underscores his potential and resilience. As he continues to develop and hone his skills, Nicolo Bulega’s presence in MotoGP could become a more permanent fixture, particularly as the series evolves towards its new era in 2027.