Nicolo Bulega! One of WorldSBK’s brightest stars makes the step up to MotoGP in 2027, following in the footsteps and reuniting on the grid with old rival Toprak Razgatlioglu (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP). It’s one of (if not) the most exciting additions to the grid, with Bulega joining the VR46 Racing Team in 2027.
Bulega becomes our latest rookie to be announced for the upcoming season, joining the likes of the already confirmed David Alonso, Daniel Holgado and Izan Guevara in the fight for rookie of the year. The move comes at the perfect time as the Italian prepares to tackle Ducati’s new 850cc in 2027 as we race into a new era of MotoGP!
BULEGA’S FIRST VENTURE INTO GP
Bulega first made a name for himself in the European paddock, spending just two years in the Moto3 Junior World Championship. Two podiums in his 2014 rookie season only added to the excitement for his 2015 campaign. Starting the year in style, Bulega picked up his first of seven podiums – including an important win at Jerez. He took the crown and graduation to the Grand Prix paddock was on the cards.
Moving to Moto3 with the Sky Racing Team VR46, his first full year was 2016, claiming two podiums and ending an incredible debut season in P7. Bulega stayed in Moto3 for the following two years, including pole position at the 2017 Japanese GP. The VR46 Racing Team had seen enough, handing Bulega the chance to step up to Moto2 for 2019.
It was a difficult start to the intermediate class for the Italian star, securing a season-best result of seventh place at Brno. There was a change of scenery for Bulega in 2020 as Gresini was announced as his new home. He spent two seasons with the squad but was unable to repeat his earlier Moto2 success. And with P26 in the 2021 Championship, it marked the end of the Italian’s first stint in the Grand Prix paddock.
WorldSBK: A NEW PADDOCK, A NEW CHALLENGE
Rebuild, rewind and reset… That was the objective for 2022 as Bulega headed to WorldSSP with Aruba.it Racing – riding the all-new Ducati Panigale V2. It was an outstanding rookie campaign, securing nine podiums and coming close to a first victory on multiple occasions. Don't worry, it didn't take him much longer to unlock the winning formula in 2023. Winning 16 races throughout the season – and to no surprise – becoming the 2023 WorldSSP Champion in the process. Bulega’s reward? A factory WorldSBK ride, of course!
Winner on debut? How do you like that! Bulega made his WorldSBK presence known at Phillip Island, storming to victory by over two seconds. It was the first of six wins in 2024, ending the season as runner-up, with only one way to improve the following year – the battle was on! Bulega vs Razgatlioglu was very much the theme of 2025, with the Italian starting his title charge with three wins in a row – later returning to winning ways a further 11 times that year. The Italian was runner-up once more.
Then came 2026… With Toprak now off to MotoGP, the spotlight, stories and headlines were surrounding Nicolo Bulega and boy did he deliver. Including the end of the 2025 season, Bulega took 25, yes, 25 race wins in a row! 12 more than the previous record… Astonishing, unthinkable, historic – there’s hardly a word in the dictionary which does his record-breaking streak justice. I think there’s no surprise that Bulega entered the 2026 WorldSBK summer break with a 133-point advantage and control of the title fight. It was an incredible feat, and now the VR46 Racing Team and Ducati want Bulega in their corner for 2027!
MotoGP: READY FOR MORE!
The Italian is no stranger to MotoGP either, having signed a deal to become one of Ducati’s official test riders for 2026, working alongside Michele Pirro. Then at the end of 2025, Bulega was offered the chance to replace the injured Marc Marquez in Portugal and Valencia – claiming points on both occasions. Now with some additional 850cc and tyre experience, the Italian is already looking like the full package for 2027.
He heads to the VR46 Racing Team for 2027, joining Fermin Aldeguer for company and creating a whole new line-up for the squad. To say it’s an exciting line-up would be an understatement. Aldeguer, already a MotoGP winner, can pass down his experience to the Italian, who already has MotoGP experience under his belt. You’d have to say Bulega will be eyeing the rookie of the year next season, making it a fight to watch!
The WorldSBK record setter isn’t stopping here… Keep an eye on the remainder of Bulega’s WorldSBK season before the Italian will join the VR46 Racing Team for the first time at the post-season Valencia Test. Don’t miss out; join us for the new 850cc era!