World Superbike Star Nicolo Bulega to Make MotoGP Debut, Filling In for Injured Marc Marquez at Ducati for Season's Finale

Ducati has confirmed that Nicolo Bulega, currently a prominent figure in the World Superbike Championship, will step into the seat vacated by Marc Marquez for the remaining two races of the 2025 MotoGP season. The move marks a significant moment for Bulega, providing him with his first opportunity to compete in the premier class of motorcycle racing.

Marquez, a multiple-time MotoGP World Champion, sustained a shoulder fracture during the Indonesian Grand Prix in early October, an injury that forced him to prematurely end his 2025 campaign. Following the announcement of Marquez’s withdrawal, Ducati turned to its test rider, Michele Pirro, to fill the void in the Australian and Malaysian rounds. However, Pirro’s performance yielded no points for the team, leading to speculation about a potential change in rider for the final races.

Bulega emerged as a strong contender, and after an evaluation test on the Ducati GP25 machine at Jerez, he was deemed ready to take on the challenge. The 26-year-old Italian rider will now compete in the Portuguese and Valencia Grand Prix, rounding out the season with his debut in MotoGP.

"I’m very happy to be able to close out a season like this with a nice last-minute surprise," said Bulega, acknowledging the unexpected nature of the opportunity. Bulega has been a consistent performer in the World Superbike Championship, finishing as runner-up in the last two seasons.

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"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," Bulega added.

Bulega’s path to MotoGP began in the Supersport World Championship in 2022, after three years in Moto2. He quickly established himself as a top contender, dominating the 2023 season before transitioning to World Superbikes in 2024. His association with Ducati dates back to his Supersport debut, highlighting the team’s confidence in his abilities.

"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 commented on his upcoming MotoGP debut.

Ducati’s General Manager, Gigi Dall’Igna, expressed his satisfaction with Bulega’s progress and his readiness for the challenge. "I’m very happy to see Bulega working on the Desmosedici GP. Nicolo 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," Dall’Igna added, emphasizing the team’s long-term commitment to Bulega’s development.

In the upcoming rounds, Bulega will be teammates with Francesco Bagnaia, the reigning MotoGP World Champion, at the factory Ducati team. Beyond his role as a replacement rider, Bulega is also slated to become the outfit’s test rider in MotoGP alongside Michele Pirro next year. This move is viewed as a potential stepping stone towards a full-time seat in the premier class, possibly starting from 2027.

The Ducati Team, officially known as the Ducati Lenovo Team, is the factory team of Ducati Corse in the MotoGP World Championship. The team has a long and successful history in MotoGP, with numerous race wins and championship titles to its name.

Francesco Bagnaia, currently the team’s leading rider, has been with Ducati since 2019. He secured his first MotoGP World Championship title in 2022 and followed it up with another title in 2023, solidifying his position as one of the top riders in the sport. His teammate, Enea Bastianini, joined the team in 2023 and is also considered a strong contender.

The 2025 MotoGP season has been marked by intense competition and unexpected twists. The injury to Marc Marquez has undoubtedly impacted the season, opening the door for other riders to step up and prove their mettle. As the season draws to a close, all eyes will be on Nicolo Bulega as he makes his MotoGP debut with Ducati, eager to seize the opportunity and make a lasting impression.

The final two rounds of the 2025 MotoGP season, the Portuguese Grand Prix and the Valencia Grand Prix, will be crucial for both the championship contenders and the riders looking to secure their future in the sport. With Bulega joining the grid, the competition is set to intensify even further, promising thrilling races and unforgettable moments.

Background on Marc Marquez’s Injury:

Marc Marquez’s injury occurred during the warm-up session of the Indonesian Grand Prix. He suffered a high-side crash, resulting in a fractured shoulder. The injury forced him to withdraw from the race and subsequent rounds. Despite undergoing treatment and rehabilitation, Marquez was unable to recover in time to compete in the remaining races of the 2025 season.

Michele Pirro’s Performance as Replacement Rider:

Michele Pirro, Ducati’s test rider, filled in for Marc Marquez in the Australian and Malaysian Grand Prix. However, his performance was underwhelming, failing to score any points for the team. Pirro’s lack of experience in racing conditions, coupled with the highly competitive nature of MotoGP, made it difficult for him to achieve significant results.

Nicolo Bulega’s Career Highlights:

2023 World Supersport Champion.
Consistent top performer in the World Superbike Championship.
Multiple race wins and podium finishes in various categories.
Recognized for his aggressive riding style and determination.

Ducati’s MotoGP History:

First entered MotoGP in 2003.
Won their first MotoGP World Championship in 2007 with Casey Stoner.
Have secured multiple race wins and podium finishes over the years.
Are known for their powerful Desmosedici GP bike.

Upcoming MotoGP Fixtures:

Portuguese Grand Prix
Valencia Grand Prix

The anticipation surrounding the final two races of the 2025 MotoGP season is palpable, with fans eager to witness the debut of Nicolo Bulega and the outcome of the championship battle.