Nicolò Bulega embodies the exemplary career path of a rider trained at the VR46 Academy. After a difficult start in Grand Prix racing, his transition to Superbike proved decisive: crowned Supersport World Champion in 2023, he became the favorite for the 2026 WSBK title with Ducati following Toprak Razgatlioglu's departure from the series. His talent is even recognized in MotoGP, where Ducati has integrated him into its test team, potentially paving the way for a return in 2027. This newfound experience and confidence have led him to open up like a former student, revealing the ambivalent nature of the VR46 Academy.
In a candid interview, Open up He thus detailed the advantages and limitations of evolving within the empire of Valentino Rossi.
It begins with the strength of the system, which lies in the collective requirement: training with extremely competitive people, who set the bar very high is a trainer " he explains. This daily competition with the elite forges champions and allows them to approach competitions better prepared.
But there's also the weak point: a structural conflict of interest… The major flaw, according to Open upThe problem lies in the lack of separation of powers. We ran for their team, but they were also always the manager. " he reveals. This confusion of roles made problem-solving difficult: If you had a problem with the team, it stayed internal. […] Sometimes, it was difficult to understand each other. […] Sometimes, it was difficult to understand one another. »
Open up However, he welcomes the recent reforms: I saw that they've changed that now. They've definitely fixed the problem. »
VR46 at a crossroads: the end of a cycle?
If the Academy has produced gems like Francis Bagnaia (two-time world champion) and Marco BezzecchiYou can feel that its role is evolving. Recruitment in the lower categories has decreased, and the team MotoGP now focuses on already proven talents such as Fabio Di Giannantonio and dreams of Peter Acosta for 2027.
Rossi see in Acosta The "anti-Marquez," a driver capable of bringing a title back to the team. This strategic shift marks a new phase: VR46 no longer content with just training, it aspires to dominate the MotoGP grid with the best riders in the world, whether or not it has provided their initial training.
The testimony of Open up This reveals the maturity of a structure which, after revolutionizing driver training, is now learning to manage up-and-coming champions and adapt its model to stay on top.
Open up found its way by leaving the nest VR46It has become one of the secret weapons of DucatiAnd his revelations show that even such an iconic project must evolve in order not to be consumed by the heat of competition.
