WorldSBK champion Nicolo Bulega stated that he faced a different crossroads in his career before taking the VR46 Ducati seat in the 2027 season. The Italian rider expressed that due to the intensity of the transfer market and the inclusion of Ducati's 850cc motorcycle development and Pirelli tire testing program, he had reached a point where he might lose his chance under the Ducati banner. Bulega shared his perspective on the previous period regarding motorcycles like the Trackhouse Aprilia and KTM without signing with the VR46.
KTM as the Realistic Option
In a special interview with GPOne, the rider who did not sign a contract with VR46, like Valentino Rossi, stated that KTM was the strongest option at that time:
We had to expect the top riders to make their moves at the center of the agenda.
Bulega said that the possibility of joining KTM was on the table and that KTM was the most realistic option. He also mentioned that his manager had meetings with some executives.
Other Possibilities and Loyalty to Ducati
Nicolo Bulega also commented on other potential options. He emphasized that while Aprilia was a possibility, he wanted to continue with Ducati.
Aprilia was a somewhat limited possibility. However, I always wanted to continue with Ducati.
Bulega stated that continuing with Ducati was his greatest desire and that they had fulfilled this desire, indicating that a new contest had begun.
Past Success and Team Experience
The rider also shared his past successes regarding team experience. He mentioned joining the team in 2022 and starting in Supersport, followed by an opportunity to race in Superbike with a factory team. He stated that they won many races during this period and that this year brought the world championship.
I joined the team in 2022, we started in Supersport, and then we were given the opportunity to race in Superbike with a factory team. We won many races, and the world championship came this year too.
It was stated that Bulega, who will be a teammate of Fermin Aldeguer in the VR46 Ducati team next season, is seen by competitors as a major threat in the first races of 2027 due to his experience in testing new motorcycles and Pirelli tires.
Statements
Nicolo Bulega:
The possibility of joining KTM was on the table, and I think it was the most realistic option. My manager even had meetings with some executives.
Figures
- Archive: [Message from Valentino Rossi to Bulega regarding the championship: "Focus on the tasks ahead!"]](/news/agenda/valentino-rossiden-bulegaya-sampiyonluk-mesaji-simdi-onundeki-gorevlere-odaklan) (October 16, 2026)
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Go to sourceCompiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz
