Nicolò Bulega Eyes MotoGP Move as Ducati Weighs Its Options

Ducati Cracks the Door Open for Bulega

Nicolò Bulega's path to MotoGP is becoming clearer, but it is far from straightforward. Ducati has acknowledged the possibility of bringing the reigning WorldSBK champion into its premier-class setup, according to reporting from Paddock GP. The manufacturer, which controls one of the deepest satellite networks in the paddock, appears willing to consider a promotion - yet no firm commitment has been made.

Bulega, who secured the Superbike world title riding a Ducati Panigale V4R, has done everything asked of him on two wheels outside MotoGP. His results have made the conversation about a step up unavoidable. The question is not really whether he deserves a shot, but where exactly he would fit into Ducati's carefully managed rider structure.

Ducati currently places riders across several teams on the grid, including factory-aligned satellite outfits that run spec Desmosedici machinery. A seat at one of those squads would be a realistic entry point rather than a direct jump to the Lenovo factory team, where Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia occupy the two prized berths.

The Obstacles Standing Between Him and a Full MotoGP Ride

The timing creates a genuine complication. MotoGP's silly season tends to move fast, and most of the competitive seats for the next campaign get locked in well before the summer break. Ducati's satellite positions are not all vacant, and any move for Bulega would require either an opening to appear or an existing arrangement to shift.

There is also the question of what kind of deal Ducati is prepared to offer. Being handed a MotoGP bike and being handed a competitive programme with full manufacturer backing are two different things. Paddock GP's report suggests Ducati is open to the idea in principle, without yet extending a concrete offer that covers everything Bulega would need to make the move worthwhile.

For a rider coming off a world championship, accepting a marginal MotoGP ride carries its own risks. The learning curve on a Desmosedici is steep, and early results in the premier class do not always reflect a rider's true potential. How Ducati frames the opportunity - and what resources it commits - will matter as much as the seat itself.

What Comes Next for the Superbike Champion

Bulega has options, and that leverage is not insignificant. His Superbike title makes him attractive beyond the Ducati ecosystem, even if a manufacturer switch would come with its own complications given how deeply he is tied to the Bologna brand.

For now, both parties appear to be in a holding pattern. Ducati has not closed the door, but it has not handed over the keys either. Further movement on his MotoGP prospects is likely to depend on how the broader rider market develops in the coming months, and whether a seat materialises that fits both Bulega's ambitions and Ducati's plans for its grid presence.