MotoEtkinlik26 September 2026

Bulega's Statements Regarding the Ducati 850cc Tests

5 min read · 8 views

Ducati's WorldSBK rider Nicolò Bulega responded to Pol Espargaró's comments regarding the 850cc prototype Ducati](/bikes/desmosedici-gp) he would use in MotoGP in the 2027 season. Bulega stated that the motorcycle was not developed specifically for him, and that he evaluated the parts and solutions provided to him as a test rider.

Bulega's name frequently comes up in connection with the 2027 MotoGP project. The Italian rider, who served as a test rider during the development of Ducati's new 850cc motorcycle, made statements regarding his upcoming tests at the Red Bull Ring in Cremona.

Pol Espargaró had stated that the tests he conducted on the new motorcycle before moving to MotoGP with Ducati would give him a significant advantage, and that the Ducati 850 had been developed to suit Bulega's riding style. Bulega clearly stated that he did not agree with this assessment.

We Did Nothing Against the Rules

Nicolò Bulega emphasized that testing a MotoGP motorcycle as a Superbike rider was not against the rules.

There is nothing more to say from my perspective. We did nothing against the rules.

Bulega also mentioned that the transition to MotoGP was not finalized when he signed the contract with Ducati last year.

When we signed the contract with Ducati last year and started discussing the possibility of being a MotoGP test rider, we did not know that I would move to MotoGP in 2027.

The Italian rider stated that test riding was planned as a stepping stone to moving to MotoGP, but there was no definite plan at that time.

The Motorcycle Was Not Made For Me

Bulega also rejected the comments suggesting that the Ducati 850 was developed according to his riding style.

Testing is important for me, but it is not like testing what you want when you are a test rider.

You cannot ask someone to bring parts that you think are best for you to the garage or the track.

Bulega stated that Ducati provided him with numerous different parts and solutions to test, but he himself did not decide which parts to use.

They gave me a hundred things to test, but I cannot say what I want.

Furthermore, he expressed doubts that the motorcycle was made for him.

I am not sure that the motorcycle was made for me. It is made for the riders in the factory team, and I am only testing what I am asked to test.

It is not true that the motorcycle was made for me.

The Level in MotoGP Cannot Be Believed

Bulega pointed to the very high level of competition in MotoGP by referencing positive comments made about himself by Marc Márquez.

Hearing what people say in the paddock brings me happiness. However, Bulega believes that the test experience he gained with the new motorcycle will not give him a lasting advantage before the season starts.

The level of competition in MotoGP is unbelievable. I know the motorcycle and many things right now, but other MotoGP riders will need one or two days to understand them.

I think we will all be on the same level in the first race.

You Must Start From Zero Even When You Are Fast

Bulega emphasized a lesson he learned in his career: not to get complacent after success.

I learned that when you start getting fast and winning races, you must realize that the next day starts from zero.

The most important thing for me is this: when you are fast, you must still think you are not fast enough.

Regarding the Red Bull Ring Tests

Bulega evaluated the results from the 2027 MotoGP tests at the Red Bull Ring. He stated that a direct comparison is difficult due to the changes in the track layout over the years.

I have never ridden after the track layout changed at the Red Bull Ring. My last race there was in 2021, and at that time there was an old track layout. He stated that the new MotoGP motorcycle will be different from the current ones, but the riding character will not change entirely.

Next year's MotoGP motorcycle will be different, but it will be similar. The riding style is similar. The biggest differences are the tires and the engine. The engine is faster, but it is still a MotoGP motorcycle.

Camera Adaptation in the MotoGP Paddock

Bulega expressed his belief that media interest will increase with the move to MotoGP. He stated that there are more journalists and television crews in the MotoGP paddock, and that drivers need to be more cautious in front of cameras.

There are many more things to watch in MotoGP; there are things you can say and things you cannot say. You need to be careful when a camera is present.

Bulega concluded his remarks humorously by stating that he will not voice anything he does not want to say in front of the cameras.

With these statements, Bulega responded to the comments about the Ducati 850 being developed for him, and he revealed his perspective on the testing process before the 2027 MotoGP season.