Bulega Navigates Michelin Challenge in MotoGP Debut, Sets Sights on 2027 Pirelli Era

Portimão, Portugal – Nicolo Bulega, currently competing in World Superbike (WSBK), recently stepped into the MotoGP arena as a substitute rider for Marc Marquez on the factory Ducati team. His debut race at the Portuguese Grand Prix revealed the significant adjustments he had to make in adapting his riding style to the Michelin tires used in MotoGP, differing considerably from the Pirelli tires he is accustomed to in WSBK.

Bulega’s transition to MotoGP comes at a pivotal time, as the series is slated to switch to Pirelli as its control tire supplier in 2027. This change has fueled Bulega’s ambition to secure a permanent spot in MotoGP, potentially aligning his skills with the new tire specifications.

In his first MotoGP race, Bulega finished 15th, earning a point in what he described as a cautious but respectable debut. A primary focus for the Italian rider was the performance of the Michelin front tire, particularly its behavior under braking, which he found noticeably different from the Pirelli tires used in WSBK.

Ducati’s interest in Bulega extends beyond his WSBK capabilities. The team has enlisted him to contribute to the development of their 2027 MotoGP bike, leveraging his experience with Pirelli tires in anticipation of the upcoming switch. This dual role allows Bulega to continue his WSBK campaign while providing valuable insights for Ducati’s future MotoGP endeavors.

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During the qualifying session, Bulega secured 18th position. However, his Saturday sprint race ended prematurely due to a braking error. This setback served as a crucial learning experience, prompting him to reassess his braking strategy for the main race on Sunday.

"Honestly, finishing the race was very important for me," Bulega stated after the Grand Prix. "Yesterday’s mistake was due to inexperience. My main goal today was simply to finish. In the first lap, I focused on warming up the front tire and understanding how to brake effectively."

He elaborated on the mental adjustments required during the race, emphasizing the need to override his WSBK instincts. "Throughout the race, I kept reminding myself not to brake as if I were using Pirelli tires. The Pirelli tires in World Superbike offer more confidence. Coming from Superbikes to MotoGP is challenging because the Michelin tires don’t provide the same level of confidence."

Bulega’s internal dialogue during the race highlighted the mental recalibration necessary to adapt to the MotoGP bike. "I kept repeating, ‘Don’t brake like it’s a Superbike!’ It was difficult initially. Later, when I caught up with Miguel Oliveira and the riders ahead, I made a mistake at Turn 5, running wide and losing several seconds."

His performance data provided additional insights into his learning process. Bulega achieved his fastest lap on lap 23 of 25, a point in the race when most riders had already peaked in performance. This late improvement underscored his ability to adapt and learn throughout the race.

"In the final laps, I tried to adapt my riding style to the bike, gaining some valuable understanding. I hope to apply this from the start in Valencia next weekend. My best lap was near the end when the tire was already worn. I was catching the riders in front, but the race concluded before I could make further progress," Bulega explained.

He acknowledged that his current riding style was not yet natural, requiring conscious effort and thought. "Currently, I’m not riding instinctively. I’m constantly thinking about what I need to do on the bike. Riding under such conditions makes it difficult to achieve optimal speed."

With Marc Marquez expected to return to his seat next season, Bulega’s current stint in MotoGP is set to conclude at the Valencia finale in 2025. However, he has expressed a strong interest in securing a contract for 2027, especially given the impending switch to Pirelli tires and the arrival of his WSBK rival, Toprak Razgatlioglu, in MotoGP next year.

The prospect of riding with Pirelli tires and the anticipated technical rule changes in 2027 make MotoGP an appealing option for Bulega. "When I learned that Toprak was moving to MotoGP and that Pirelli tires would be introduced in 2027, I reconsidered my options. I’m competing with Toprak, he’s going to MotoGP, and Pirelli is coming in 2027, so my perspective has shifted," he noted.

"Yes, I would like to be in MotoGP, particularly in 2027, when the bikes are expected to be more manageable and similar to Superbikes," Bulega concluded.

Background and Context

Nicolo Bulega’s entry into MotoGP is marked by a notable shift from his established career in World Superbike. His current role as a substitute for Marc Marquez places him in a high-pressure environment, where adaptation and learning are paramount.

The move to Pirelli tires in 2027 represents a significant change for MotoGP, potentially leveling the playing field and opening opportunities for riders with experience on Pirelli rubber. Bulega’s involvement in developing Ducati’s 2027 bike positions him as a key asset in this transition.

Bulega’s recent performance in WSBK has been closely monitored. His transition to MotoGP provides a platform to showcase his adaptability and skills on a different type of machine and tire. The insights he gains during this period will be invaluable, particularly if he secures a permanent MotoGP ride in the future.

The rivalry between Bulega and Toprak Razgatlioglu in WSBK adds an interesting dynamic to Bulega’s MotoGP aspirations. With Razgatlioglu already committed to MotoGP, Bulega’s desire to join the series underscores the competitive spirit and the pursuit of excellence in motorcycle racing.

Upcoming Events

Bulega is scheduled to participate in the Valencia finale in 2025, which will be his last MotoGP outing under the current circumstances. His performance in Valencia will be closely watched as he aims to apply the lessons learned from his debut race and make a strong impression before returning to WSBK.

The ongoing development of Ducati’s 2027 MotoGP bike will continue, with Bulega playing a crucial role in providing feedback and contributing to the bike’s design and setup. His experience with Pirelli tires will be instrumental in guiding the development process and ensuring that the bike is well-suited to the new tire specifications.

As MotoGP approaches the 2027 season, the focus will increasingly shift to the technical changes and the introduction of Pirelli tires. Teams and riders will be working diligently to adapt to the new regulations and optimize their performance. Bulega’s potential involvement in this transition makes him a rider to watch as MotoGP enters a new era.