Nicolo Bulega's start in the 2027 MotoGP season with the Ducati's new 850cc motorcycle and Pirelli tires is expected to give the Italian rider a strong position from the first race of the season. Test rider Pol Espargaro stated that the experience Bulega possesses will provide a significant advantage.
Bulega's Advantage: Extensive Testing
The main point that draws attention to the fact that Bulega will begin his full MotoGP career in 2027 is his experience in preparing for the new season. Bulega is actively involved in the development program of Ducati's new 850cc motorcycle, in addition to his experience with Pirelli in WorldSBK, and thus he will have a significant amount of test kilometers regarding the motorcycle and tires.
Pol Espargaro expressed that this situation could provide a big advantage to Bulega.
Absolutely insane. Absolutely insane, and I can say it is a bit unfair.
The Difference in Other MotoGP Prototypes
Bulega's advantage becomes more apparent when compared to the current situation of other 2027 MotoGP prototypes. It is believed that other prototypes do not yet use an 850cc MotoGP machine. For example, while it is mentioned that Izan Guevara and Senna Agius used 1000cc motorcycles adapted for Pirelli in the Red Bull Ring, David Alonso and Dani Holgado have not yet completed their first rides on a MotoGP motorcycle. Bulega, however, has conducted a significant amount of testing in the Ducati 850cc development program.
Espargaro believes that Bulega's past can provide an advantage in the transition to new regulations.
He will be a full-time rider next year, and look at the amount of kilometers he has covered. Moreover, this motorcycle is being developed around him.
Depth and Speed of Experience
Pol Espargaro emphasized that Bulega will know his motorcycle and tires perfectly. He stated that this could lead to a different picture, compared to current MotoGP riders having to adapt to different tires, by combining Bulega's long experience with Pirelli through WorldSBK with his knowledge of the motorcycle.
He will know the motorcycle perfectly, he will know the tires perfectly, and there will be two extra days in the Shakedown. The experience and speed he possesses will be unbelievable.
Extra Time for Current Riders
Thanks to the Sepang Shakedown, five riders transitioning to MotoGP in 2027 will have two extra days of official pre-season testing compared to current MotoGP riders. This allows for two additional days for Bulega to add to his 850cc Ducati and Pirelli work.
Stars' Pirelli Experience
About half of the current MotoGP grid has ridden with Pirelli tires thanks to tests at Brno and the Red Bull Ring. However, due to team changes, some important names will have to wait for Valencia for their first Pirelli experience. Jorge Martin, Pecco Bagnaia, Fabio Quartararo, Alex Marquez, Ai Ogura, Fabio Di Giannantonio, and Enea Bastianini are in this group. For these riders, the Valencia test will be the first important step for understanding both the new season's tires and the changing team schedules.
Bulega's Role
Nicolo Bulega will begin his full MotoGP career in the 2027 season with the VR46 Ducati. Last season, he experienced his first MotoGP race experience by riding on track in the last two races instead of Marc Marquez. Considering that conditions will be different in the new era, the years of WorldSBK experience in terms of Pirelli, the tests he has conducted with the Ducati 850cc prototype, his role in the motorcycle's development, and the extra Shakedown time given to riders will combine. Pol Espargaro stressed that the big advantage that draws attention is that Bulega is one of the few riders who can start the new MotoGP era knowing both the motorcycle and the tires very intimately.
Figures
- Archive: Bulega's Statements on Ducati 850cc Tests (September 25, 2026)
Read the full story at the original source.
Go to sourceCompiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz
