MotoGP, Portugal, Nicolò Bulega faster than Bagnaia from the first session in Portimão… “For Pecco it’s embarrassing” and Gigi Dall’Igna is annoyed

Nicolò Bulega wasted no time making a name for himself. In his very first MotoGP free practice session with Ducati, the young Italian made a remarkable debut, finishing 14th.At the time, just ahead of… Francesco Bagnaia, the brand’s two-time world champion.

Substitute for Marc Marquezruled out for the rest of the season due to injury, Open up had already had a taste of the prototype Ducati GP25 during a test at Jerez last week. This acclimatization session seems to have paid off: from his first official laps, he proved faster than his prestigious teammate.

"I knew it would be a difficult weekend" ", said Open up THURSDAY. " But I felt comfortable on the motorcycle immediately, and That's already a nice surprise »

While it's important to put things in perspective – this first session wasn't particularly competitive and the weekend has only just begun – nobody in the paddock would have bet on such an internal hierarchy right from the start of the season. Portuguese Grand Prix.

When the times were announced, the cameras captured Luigi Dall'Igna, the director general of DucatiHe watched the clock in the box with a grim expression. That was all it took for social media to erupt.

Hodgson: " For Pecco Bagnaia, it's embarrassing »

« It's clear that it's causing him pain. ", wrote one internet user. Another quipped: He seems to be fed up.On Reddit, one user even commented: "At this point, he is thinking of going home." "— a nod to the slogan of bagnaia#GoFree.

And the barbs flew: How was driver #11 able to overtake #63? Is this the biggest disappointment a driver has suffered in a season? »

TNT Sports commentator Neil Hodgson didn't mince words: We would feel embarrassed. That's not acceptable, is it? When a rookie gets on your bike and beats you in his very first session, it's a real blow to morale.. »

Hodgson also pointed out an interesting technical detail: Bulega uses this year's aerodynamics, that of the 2025 package, while Pecco stuck with the old model. Marc, on the other hand, has the latest model. »

A strategic choice that could explain part of the gap, but which also underlines the confidence of Ducati towards the young Italian.

For Open up, these first 45 minutes represent much more than a simple ride: it is his first audition with a view to a future in MotoGP. Ducati He knows it, and despite the circumstances, the Superbike rookie has already made a strong impression.

At 25, the WorldSBK runner-up is showing that he is ready to seize every opportunity.

And while the hierarchy may still change before the race, one thing is certain: Nicholas Bulega has just crashed into the conversation MotoGP.