It's official: Nicolo Bulega will make his MotoGP debut at the 2025 Portuguese Grand Prix, before continuing in Valencia. Ducati has chosen to reward the Superbike runner-up by offering him the Desmosedici GP25 ride of the newly crowned world champion Marc Marquez, who is injured and forced to end his season.
The Borgo Panigale team had initially entrusted the number 93 motorcycle to the test rider Michele Pirro after the injury Marquez in Mandalika, during the Indonesian Grand PrixBut further examinations revealed the need for surgery on his right shoulder, which was affected at the level of the coracoid process and ligaments. The verdict: season over for the seven-time MotoGP champion.
Consequently, Ducati decided to give his chance Open up, author of a solid season in Superbike with two consecutive runner-up titles (2024 and 2025). The Italian rider of 26 years will therefore have the honor – and the pressure – of riding the bike with which Marquez won 11 Grand Prix and 14 Sprints this season.
Before officially announcing his presence in MotoGP, Open up made a private test in Jerez riding the GP25. Lap time: 1'38", a solid time for a first experience with a MotoGP prototype. This test ride was convincing. Ducati to make him a starter for Portimão (November 7–9) and Valencia (November 14–16).
But in Bologna, no one is putting pressure on him. According to journalist Giovanni Zamagni, the instruction is clear:
« Of course, no one is asking him to perform in a particular wayNo special performance, no expected result. He just has to try to enjoy, if it's possible with a modern MotoGP bike »
Bulega, from VR46 to Ducati: the long return of a talent discovered by Valentino Rossi
The manager of Open upAlberto Martinelli, was keen to acknowledge the role of Valentino Rossi in the career of his protégé.
« Valentino is a champion, and His eye has always been impeccable.He was among the first to believe in Nicolo's talent. " explains Martinelli to GP One.
After four seasons in the industry VR46, where his 99 The starts only yielded two podium finishes. Open up He had left the Grand Prix paddock demotivated. His move to Supersport and then his world title in 2023 rekindled the flame.
« In my opinion, we have recovered a champion which, today, shines in his eyes “,” Martinelli confided. He matured, he became a man, without distractions. »
Before his injury, Marc Marquez dominated the season from start to finish. He had already secured the 2025 MotoGP title. Motegi, with 201 points ahead of his brother Alex (541 against 340). This triumphant campaign, the first under the official colors Ducati, made him a seven-time champion in the premier category and a total of nine-time world champion.
But it is also this wound that opens a rare window today: that of a passing of the torch between generations. Ducati, of the myth Marquez to the promise Open up.
For Open upThese two races will be more than just a temporary measure. They will mark a full-scale test before the 2027 season, where he could find himself alongside other Superbike defectors, including Toprak Razgatlioglu, future pilot Pramac Yamaha in 2026.
The challenge is immense, but so is the reward: to make his debut on the world champion motorcycle and prove that Superbike heroes can shine in MotoGP.
« Ducati told me to have fun ", he would have confided Open up to his loved ones. And if he transforms this pleasure into performance, the story could very well begin there.
