Ducati rider Nicolo Bulega is discussing a potential advantage for the Italian in the 2027 MotoGP season. The reason for this advantage is that while his future competitors will be busy with current 1000cc machines, Bulega has already tested Ducati's new 850cc models multiple times before 2027. Test rider Pol Espargaro called this situation a major and unfair advantage.
Opinions on the New Engine Development
Bulega does not comment on this matter. The 26-year-old rider stated in his comments at Cremona before the Superbike World Championship, "There is not much to tell you. We did nothing against the rules." Furthermore, Bulega stated that he is a Superbike rider and that he does not have permission to test a MotoGP machine.
"I am a Superbike rider. Why am I not allowed to test a MotoGP machine?"
Bulega made statements regarding his role in the new engine development process. He indicated that his role in the development of the new Ducati was not connected to the plan to move to MotoGP initially.
"When we signed a contract with Ducati last year and considered that I could become a MotoGP test rider, we did not know I would move to MotoGP in 2027."
Bulega stated that this test program was not designed to create an advantage for himself.
"This test program was not designed to give him an advantage for his career as a future rider. We planned before knowing we would go to MotoGP. This was not a strategy."
Bulega stated that he would replace Franco Morbidelli in the Valentino Rossi team for Ducati in 2027. Bulega did not argue that the kilometers given to him would benefit him with the 850cc machine. At the same time, he rejected the notion that the new engine could be designed specifically for him.
"The 850cc machine cannot be designed specifically for me. As a test rider, I cannot try what I want. I will not say, 'Bring me this chassis because it is better for me.'"
He emphasized that Ducati determines the development program.
"They give them 1000 things to try. I will not say, 'I want this, I want that.' These are not for me; they already exist."
Bulega rejected the notion that the new Desmosedici GP could be designed specifically for him.
"The engine is not made specifically for me. The engine is developed for factory riders. I am just testing whether some things apply to me."
Michelin Tires and Technical Differences
Pirelli tires play an important role in this process. It is stated that the Italian manufacturer will be the tire supplier for MotoGP standards in 2027. Bulega stated that he has experience in the Superbike and World Championship and that he has tested the tires developed for MotoGP. However, he believes this advantage is limited.
"I know the tires now. But MotoGP riders may need one or two tests to understand them. I think that in the first race, everything regarding tires will be approximately the same level."
Bulega refuted the assumption that the Superbike experience can be directly transferred to MotoGP.
"It is always a Pirelli, but it is not a Superbike-Pirelli. The tires are different. The front tires might be easier to understand from Michelin because the basic DNA is similar."
However, he stated that the riding style is different and the engine itself is very different.
"How it should be ridden is different from how it is ridden in Superbike. Especially the engine is completely different. Therefore, using a Superbike is not very similar. But it is good to benefit from the Superbike World Championship experience because there are some similarities."
Bulega acknowledged the advantage but stated that he did not want to use it completely. He emphasized that the current MotoGP riders will be experienced in the combination of the 850cc Ducati and Pirelli tires at the beginning of the 2027 season.
"I accept that it might help me to have been on some tests with this engine initially. However, I think this advantage will combine quickly."
Bulega referred to Marquez, stating that current MotoGP riders are very experienced.
"MotoGP riders are incredible. A rider like Marquez does not need much time to understand this."
Bulega stated that there will not be a major change in the basic chassis.
"The basic chassis is the same as this year's."
For Bulega, the debate is relatively simple. He said that the test kilometers would facilitate the start of 2027. However, he did not want a decisive advantage over the new engine or the established MotoGP elite.
Figures
- Archive: Bulega's Statements on Ducati 850cc Tests (September 25, 2026)
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Go to sourceCompiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz
