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Portimão, Portugal – Nicolo Bulega, currently competing in World Superbike, has voiced his ambitions for a potential career in MotoGP, particularly with the anticipated switch to Pirelli tires in 2027, following a notable MotoGP debut where he substituted for the injured Marc Marquez on the factory Ducati.
Bulega secured a single point in the Portuguese Grand Prix, finishing 15th in what he described as a cautious yet respectable introduction to the premier class of motorcycle racing. A central aspect of his experience at the Portimão circuit was the adjustment required to accommodate the performance characteristics of the Michelin front tire, a marked contrast to the Pirelli tires he is accustomed to in World Superbike.
Ducati’s strategic decision to involve Bulega in the development of its 2027 MotoGP bike, alongside his World Superbike commitments next year, underscores the significance of his experience with Pirelli tires as MotoGP prepares to transition away from Michelin.
Having qualified in 18th position, Bulega’s weekend began with a setback in the Saturday sprint race, where a misjudgment under braking led to his retirement. Reflecting on the incident, Bulega stated that the error served as a crucial learning experience, compelling him to reassess his braking expectations for the main race on Sunday.
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"Honestly, for me today it was very important to finish the race, because yesterday I made an inexperienced mistake," Bulega remarked 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."
The transition from World Superbike to MotoGP presented Bulega with the immediate challenge of adapting his riding style to the different demands of the Michelin tires. He emphasized the need to consciously override his ingrained braking techniques developed on Pirelli rubber.
"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."
Bulega elaborated on the mental adjustments required during the race, highlighting the constant reminders to avoid reverting to his Superbike braking habits.
"I repeated in my mind all the race, ‘Don’t brake like it’s a superbike, don’t brake like it’s a superbike!’ So it was a bit difficult on the first lap. Then, 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."
Bulega’s fastest lap, recorded on the 23rd of 25 laps, is indicative of his progressive adaptation to the MotoGP machine and the Michelin tires. This late improvement, at a stage when most riders had already set their best times earlier in the race, underscores his learning curve throughout the weekend.
"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 tyre was already finished. I was catching the guys in front, but then the race was finished," Bulega said.
He further noted the cognitive effort required to consciously adjust his riding style, acknowledging that this deliberate approach currently impedes his natural speed and flow.
"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."
Looking ahead, Bulega’s current stint in MotoGP is set to conclude at the Valencia finale in 2025, assuming Marc Marquez returns to full fitness. However, the Italian rider has expressed a strong interest in securing a MotoGP contract for 2027, particularly given the rule changes and the switch to Pirelli tires, which align more closely with his Superbike experience.
Bulega’s interest in MotoGP has also been fueled by the move of his World Superbike rival, Toprak Razgatlioglu, to the premier class next year. The prospect of competing against Razgatlioglu on familiar Pirelli rubber in 2027 is a significant motivator for Bulega.
"When I saw Toprak go to MotoGP and then I saw that in 2027 there will be the Pirelli tyre, 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," he said.
The potential for a more level playing field in 2027, with the introduction of Pirelli tires and revised technical regulations aimed at making the bikes more accessible, further enhances the appeal of a MotoGP career 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," Bulega concluded.
Background on Nicolo Bulega:
Nicolo Bulega, born on October 16, 1999, in Riccione, Italy, began his career in motorcycle racing at a young age. He rose through the ranks of junior championships before making his mark in the FIM CEV Moto3 Junior World Championship. In 2015, he finished second in the championship, demonstrating his potential as a future star.
Bulega entered the Moto3 World Championship in 2016 with the Sky Racing Team VR46, finishing 20th overall. His time in Moto3 was marked by flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency. He moved to Moto2 in 2019, riding for the same VR46 team, but faced challenges in adapting to the larger, more powerful machinery.
In 2022, Bulega made a significant career move, switching to the World Superbike Championship. He joined the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team in the World Supersport category, where he quickly established himself as a frontrunner. In his debut season, he secured multiple podium finishes and demonstrated his adaptability and skill on the Ducati machinery.
World Superbike Performance:
Bulega’s transition to World Superbike has been a pivotal moment in his career. Riding for a factory-backed Ducati team, he has showcased his talent and competitiveness. His performance in the World Supersport category has been particularly impressive, with several wins and consistent podium finishes.
His experience with Pirelli tires in World Superbike is a key factor in his potential transition to MotoGP in 2027. The Pirelli tires in World Superbike are known for providing riders with a high level of confidence and grip, allowing them to push the limits of their machines. This familiarity with Pirelli rubber could give Bulega a significant advantage when MotoGP switches to Pirelli in 2027.
Ducati’s Perspective:
Ducati’s decision to involve Bulega in the development of their 2027 MotoGP bike reflects their strategic approach to the upcoming regulation changes. The Italian manufacturer recognizes the value of having a rider with extensive experience on Pirelli tires, as this knowledge could prove invaluable in developing a competitive machine for the new era of MotoGP.
Ducati’s commitment to Bulega also underscores their confidence in his potential as a future MotoGP rider. By giving him the opportunity to test and develop their 2027 bike, Ducati is investing in his future and potentially paving the way for a long-term partnership.
MotoGP’s 2027 Regulation Changes:
The 2027 MotoGP season will mark a significant turning point for the championship, with the introduction of new technical regulations aimed at improving safety, sustainability, and competitiveness. These regulations will include changes to engine capacity, aerodynamics, and fuel usage, as well as the switch to Pirelli tires.
The decision to switch to Pirelli tires was driven by a desire to provide riders with more consistent and predictable performance, as well as to reduce the performance gap between the factory teams and the independent teams. Pirelli’s experience in World Superbike, where they have been the sole tire supplier for many years, makes them a logical choice for MotoGP.
Toprak Razgatlioglu’s Move to MotoGP:
Toprak Razgatlioglu’s decision to move to MotoGP next year has added another layer of intrigue to Bulega’s potential career path. Razgatlioglu, a former World Superbike champion, is known for his aggressive and spectacular riding style. His move to MotoGP is expected to shake up the established order and provide fans with plenty of excitement.
Bulega’s rivalry with Razgatlioglu in World Superbike has been one of the highlights of the championship in recent years. The prospect of seeing these two talented riders compete against each other in MotoGP is an exciting prospect for fans and could potentially influence Bulega’s decision to pursue a career in the premier class.
Conclusion:
Nicolo Bulega’s MotoGP debut, while a brief substitution, has served as a valuable learning experience and a glimpse into his potential future in the premier class. His ability to adapt to the demands of the MotoGP machine and the Michelin tires, combined with his extensive experience on Pirelli rubber in World Superbike, makes him a strong contender for a MotoGP seat in 2027. As MotoGP prepares for a new era with revised regulations and Pirelli tires, Bulega’s expertise and potential could make him a valuable asset for any team looking to compete at the highest level. His performance in Valencia will be closely watched as he aims to further demonstrate his capabilities and solidify his case for a future in MotoGP.
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