Nicolo Bulega is no longer hiding his ambition: he wants to move up to MotoGP in 2027, and his absolute priority is Ducati. The 2023 Supersport champion, 2024 and 2025 WorldSBK runner-up, and overwhelming favorite for the 2026 Superbike title, already got a taste of the premier class at the end of 2025 by replacing Marquez in Portugal and Valencia (15th in both races). The experience convinced him: he wants a permanent ride. But the road ahead looks fraught with obstacles.
Open up aiming for MotoGP in 2027: Ducati As a priority… but not at any price. The message is clear: Nicholas Bulega He wants a MotoGP bike. And he wants it in red.
À 26 yearsthe star pilot Ducati in World Superbike is actively preparing for its move to the premier class in 2027. Supersport champion in 2023, WSBK runner-up in 2024 and 2025, favorite for the 2026 title, Open up He ticks all the boxes. And he doesn't arrive empty-handed.
Open up is already a test and reserve pilot for Ducati in MotoGP. His tire expertise Pirelli is valuable in the development of the future 850 cc planned for 2027.
In 2025, it even replaced Marc Marquez injured during the last two rounds at Portugal and ValenciaThe result? Two solid 15th place finishes. Not spectacular, but enough to show that he wasn't out of his depth.
He knows the house. He knows the philosophy. He knows the motorcycle. His manager, Alberto Martinellihe insists: Nicolo knows the bike, he knows the philosophy… he already had the experience last year during the last two races, replacing Marquez »
« Changing bikes and teams at this stage would certainly not help his debut.. " Translation : Ducati is the top priority.
Martinelli, Bulega manager: “ We need to understand which possibilities are actually concrete, but for us, the priority is Ducati. »
According to rumors, Ducati would prepare a duo Marc Marquez - Peter Acosta for 2027 in the official team. In other words, the factory door is closed.
The CEO Claudio Domenicali has also acknowledged that signing Open up would be " complicated "We would need to convince the satellite teams."
On paper, it's VR46 Racing Team seems logical. But Valentino Rossi would have other priorities: Fermin Aldeguer et David Alonso.
Gresini Racing remains. If Aldeguer evolves elsewhere or if a handlebar becomes free, the door could open a crack.
More Ducati doesn't control everything. Martinelli warns about GP One : " We need to understand which possibilities are actually concrete… For us, the priority is Ducati. Let's wait and see what Ducati tells us"The implication being: if the door remains closed, they will look elsewhere."
His former rival Toprak Razgatlioglu even believes that Open up would be " much better "that he in MotoGP, thanks to his precise and clean style.
Si Ducati cannot integrate it: KTM via Tech3 could be an option. Aprilia, Honda ou Yamaha could have places. The 2027 market remains volatile. But Open up knows that a change of manufacturer would complicate his adaptation.
Bulega is at the top of his game in Superbike. His timing is perfect. His technical profile is a perfect fit for modern MotoGP. The question is no longer whether he deserves his chance. The question is: Ducati Will she give him one?
If he doesn't find a red seat, he could become one of the transfers to watch in the winter of 2026. And in a paddock where everything moves very fast, waiting too long could be costly.
