It is anticipated that the 850cc and Pirelli era will give a better start to competitors than in the MotoGP. However, the Italian rider's situation in the 2027 season can be determined by their technical relationship with factory Ducati, rather than just their tire experience.
Bulega, who will return to MotoGP with the VR46 Ducati from WorldSBK, played a significant role in Ducati's 850cc prototype development program. The racing and testing experience they possess with Pirelli tires positions them as one of the most promising newcomers for 2027.
Technical Differences and Team Relationship
Pol Espargaro, as a test rider for KTM [bikes/rc16], predicts that this advantage could allow Bulega to overtake competitors in the opening race of the season. Uccio Salucci, team principal for VR46, argues that the situation is exaggerated. According to Salucci, while Bulega's experience will be beneficial in the initial tests and at the start of the season, it will not provide a decisive advantage on its own.
It is suggested that MotoGP riders will grasp the characteristics of Pirelli tires within a few hours. According to Salucci, while Bulega's experience will be useful in the initial tests and at the start of the season, it will not provide a decisive advantage on its own.
It is anticipated that Ducati riders will start the 2027 season with motorcycles having the same technical specifications. There is a significant contractual difference between Fermin Aldeguer and Bulega. Aldeguer is a factory rider contracted with Ducati, whereas Bulega's contract is with VR46. This distinction could be decisive with the distribution of new parts during the season.
Uncertainty in Ducati's Technical Development
MotoGP will feature changes in 2027 regarding the 850cc engines, Pirelli tires, and aerodynamic regulations. Many manufacturers are expected to prepare for updates in engines, chassis, aerodynamics, and electronics in the first season of this period. Since factory teams are contracted riders, they can secure these parts earlier, whereas satellite riders may have to wait. Salucci is concerned about a significant divergence between the factory motorcycles and the VR46 package midway through the season. This is the VR46 principal's speculation about the possibility of new regulations introducing an update race. Ducati has not yet stated which parts Bulega will receive and on what schedule throughout the season.
Limited Impact of Tire Experience
Bulega emphasized the importance of tire experience. The rate of development of a new motorcycle, the team's technical capacity, and the rider's performance would determine the development of the new motorcycle. In WorldSBK, the operating windows of Pirelli's front and rear tires, their reactions to temperature changes, and performance loss during races were closely monitored. The advantage of Ducati having an 850cc in the test program provided an early view of how the relationship between the new motorcycle and the tires would progress. While rival riders are preoccupied with fundamental compatibility issues in pre-season tests, Bulega could focus directly on the motorcycle's setup. However, the effect of this advantage will diminish over time. Bulega's real test will begin as the season progresses. As world champions and experienced factory riders get accustomed to Pirelli, the determining factors will be the rate of development of the new motorcycle, the team's technical capacity, and the rider's performance.
Decisive Factors Midway Through the Season
Ducati's update strategy will reveal the championship potential. Pirelli's experience may give Bulega a starting advantage. It is important whether the VR46 Ducati can maintain the same technical level as the factory motorcycles midway through the season. The speed and technical feedback they demonstrate in the first five to six races could indicate whether they are a regular satellite rider or a special project approaching factory support. Bulega is not expected to start too early for 2027.
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- Archive: Bulega Accepted the KTM Advantage in 2027 (September 29, 2026)
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Go to sourceCompiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz
