After the WorldSBK season, a thrilling year marked by an intense and exciting struggle between Toprak Razgatlioglu, the eventual winner, and the Italian Ducati rider, Nicholas Bulega, The Borgo Panigale team decided to reward Bulega by offering him the opportunity to replace the nine-time world champion during the Portuguese and Valencia Grand Prix, following the injury of Marc Márquez which ended his MotoGP season.
De Daniel Pinto / Motosan.es
With two points in two races, the Italian's adventure in the premier category has come to an end. with the exception of Tuesday's free practice sessions at Cheste. Having contributed to the performance of the Ducati Lenovo team and having delivered a convincing performance, Bulega will occupy the position of test rider in 2026. The Italian shared his impressions during an interview with our Motosan colleague, Alba Casares.
After a fierce battle with Toprak until the very last raceAnd before he participates in the MotoGP test, since he will be part of the Pramac Yamaha team in 2026, Bulega struggled to find his rhythm on the Ducati GP25: This morning, during the warm-up, we made a change that I really liked. I felt better right away, with more grip. Too bad about the start; I messed up my line, the front wheel stayed down until turn 5, so I ended up last. I lacked rear grip; I had the impression that Driving on ice was a disaster. Unfortunately, I couldn't perform as well as in the warm-up because of this lack of grip., but I still finished 15th. Unfortunately, I don't have much historical data, even though This morning I was three-tenths of a second off the best time "
Moreover, Bulega confided that he had spoken with his 2025 rival, Toprak, to exchange ideas. The latter finds himself in the same situation as him: Yes, yesterday he stopped by my camper van before the race, while I was changing. He greeted me and We talked about the main differences we observed in MotoGPAnd in the end, they are the same.We therefore have to adapt to many different things, even if we have the same confidence. The tires are different, and you have to drive differently. "
Furthermore, it should be emphasized that Bulega has reached a significant milestone as a driver, narrowly missing the Superbike World Championship title in only his second season. The rider, originally from Montecchio Emilia, acknowledged that this brief experience in MotoGP will be invaluable for his future: This experience will be useful to me, as it was important, especially within a factory team. However, during the 2026 tests, the bikes will be different and I don't think I'll have the same feeling as today. The Ducati will have changed; there will no longer be a lowering system and it will be an 850. SBK? These bikes are so different that I'm finding it hard to progress. I may have more to learn here in MotoGP than in SBK "
However, he stated that he was not worried that his new role as a Ducati test rider in 2026 would affect his performance in WorldSBK.
« If the motorcycle had remained the same, I would have said yes. But the fact that it has evolved, Removal of lowering systems, reduced aerodynamics, and the arrival of Pirelli tiresThis makes it more like a classic motorcycle, and that reassures me. " Bulega confides frankly, aware that the situation will change completely in 2027 with new regulations aiming to standardize the rules of the game for all manufacturers.
Read the original article on Motosan.es
Daniel Pinto
MotoGP Bulega Toprak
