The 2027 rider market is far from over. In MotoGP, anything can still happen, but one thing is certain: there won't be room for everyone. Among the riders awaiting confirmation are two men, both Italians, and both alumni of the VR46 Academy: Luca Marini and Nicolo Bulega. One of them shines in Superbike, having achieved the longest unbeaten run in the category's history, while the other struggles to make his mark in MotoGP despite great consistency. But if you had to choose, which of the two should be in MotoGP next year? This article might help you see things more clearly.
A summary of the latest rumors
According to the latest rumors, Luca Marini is headed to KTM Tech3 – he hinted at it in a very interesting interview with an Italian media outlet in recent days – and Nicolo Bulega was certain to join Ducati VR46 some time ago. Therefore, both are expected to be present in MotoGP Next year, so there's no need for controversy. The one who risks being harmed is none other than the Moto2 World Championship leader, Manuel Gonzalez. But you will see that the rest of this article will indirectly incorporate it.
A forgotten year
Yes, today Bulega shines in SuperbikeBut what is the true level of this once very prestigious championship? In my opinion, unfortunately, it's extremely low, and I mean it. I've said it many times before, and I dare say it again today: Nicolo Bulega doesn't deserve this ride, given his career—he failed in Grand Prix racing before finding a way out, unlike Gonzalez, for example—but also given the competition he faces. That's just my opinion. If you want to understand my reasoning, I invite you to read this other paper.
How could one highlight the difference in skill level between someone who succeeded in lower categories and someone who chose Supersport for lack of a better option? There's a very simple way to understand the phenomenon: it's now forgotten, But Luca Marini and Nicolo Bulega were teammates in Moto2 for a year at Sky VR46! So, let's take a closer look at this season, since after all, they were riding with equal equipment. A word of advice: prepare to be amazed.
A world apart
In the interest of intellectual honesty, I must point out that in 2019, Bulega had just arrived in Moto2, while Luca Marini was already in his fifth seasonYes, it's important, and to further excuse Bulega, he missed a race shortly after the start of the season. Now, we very often see good rookies in Moto2, especially when they are talented.
Yet, from the very first races, Bulega was completely out of sorts. Out of sorts, even compared to the other newcomers. His campaign began with two retirements, followed by his absence in the United States. He then recorded his first top-10 finish in Spain, before experiencing a very difficult stretch on the European tour, with the exception of a seventh-place finish in the Czech Republic, his best result. Then, the overseas tour proved unsuccessful, with no further top-10 finishes after Thailand. In the end, he finished his first Moto2 season in 17th place in the overall standings.with six retirements and three other DNFs in 18 races. How did the other rookies do? Bastianini was 10th, Jorge Martin 11th, and Fabio Di Giannantonio 9th. Bulega was much closer to Somkiat Chantra (21st), but let's focus on his teammate Marini.
For him, the situation is quite different. He was coming off an excellent season (7th) and was one of the regular contenders in 2019. Consistently in the top 10 or close to it at the start, he steadily improved, reaching the podium in Italy and then the Netherlands. Things slowed down a bit, but he really came into his own in Asia with two consecutive victories in Thailand and Japan, where he achieved the feat of a hat trick (pole position, win, and fastest lap). Upon arrival, he was 6th with 190 points, 142 more than Nicolo Bulega.
Wait !
That way, you might think the comparison is fraudulent. because Marini was experienced, while Bulega was not at allBut I have other elements to bring to complete the analysis.
One of two things: firstly, Bulega did even worse in his second season; other good drivers before him (like Bezzecchi) had made a mess of things when they arrived in the intermediate category, but progressed at breakneck speed afterwards. In his second Moto2 season, Bulega finished 20th, behind rookies Aron Canet, Marcos Ramirez, and Hector Garzo.In 2021, his third year, it was still declining, with a 26th place overall and only 12 points scored, compared to 161 for his teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio at Gresini (!).
Secondly, I compared him to Luca Marini, not to Marc MarquezUntil now, Marini has never truly exploded onto the scene; he remains a very discreet rider and was far from a superstar in Moto2. A sixth-place finish in his fifth season in the intermediate category is nothing exceptional in the strictest sense of the word, and yet, it was more than enough to extinguish Nicolo Bulega's hopes.
The duel with Marini, a terrible realization for Bulega
Now, imagine I bring up the comparison with a real machine, a monster of world champion caliber: Manuel Gonzalez. I think it's pretty clear now, and I don't want to reveal the statistics, because I have a lot of respect for Nicolo Bulega, even though I think he doesn't belong in MotoGP, and especially not in front of a driver with an impeccable record like Gonzalez.
Were you aware of this season shared under the same awning? Tell me in the comments!
As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.
Cover photo: HRC