Nicolo Bulega Reviews New Ducati Engine

MotoGP is ushering in a new era with the Ducati, which reduces the engine capacity from 1000 cc to 850 cc for the 2027 season, and Pirelli has changed the tire manufacturer, Michelin, which has been used for many years. Ducati is working on the new engine motorcycle for months, just like other manufacturers. One of the most important figures in these developments is Superbike champion Nicolo Bulega. Bulega spent a few days on the current 850 cc prototype but stated that the development stage was early, emphasizing that the new engine held significant potential for both the motorcycle and himself.

Performance Assessment of the New Engine

Superbike champion Nicolo Bulega expressed satisfaction with the current situation when evaluating the new Ducati engine. Bulega stated his views on the new engine's performance as follows:

In their words

"Basically very good. Thanks to the new tires, I think lap times are no longer too far apart on the straight and in acceleration."

Although Bulega could not definitively say when the new engine would reach the level of current 1000 cc motorcycles, he stressed that the change would not be dramatic. While current MotoGP motorcycles are thought to reach speeds of 350 km/h, he stated that the new engine currently has lower speeds, but this does not pose a problem.

Technical and Ergonomic Approach

Bulega stated that the new Ducati model does not create a revolution in terms of optics and ergonomics, saying that the motorcycle's chassis and aerodynamics are similar to the current concept. He added that everything is slightly smaller because the engine is smaller.

Bulega expressed that the riding position on the new machine is very similar to the current 1000 cc MotoGP Ducati, and that the riding position is the same for riders. However, he emphasized a significant change in the tires.

In their words

"The tires are changing significantly."

Bulega understood how Ducati needs to improve the motorcycle with the new tires, stressing that the entire package, both the motorcycle and himself, needs improvement. In this context, Bulega stated that Ducati has made no fundamental changes to the new engine.

Development Process and Testing

In this project, which marks the beginning of a new era for MotoGP, Ducati admitted that its development process is still in an early stage. However, he stated that MotoGP riders will have sufficient test days on the new package before the new season.

Bulega indicated that riders will conduct four, five, or six test days before the new season, believing that this period will be sufficient. With this, he thought that the development period for the new engine would be adequate. Ducati reiterated that it has made no fundamental engine changes during this process.

Figures

• Valencia GP: 4.00 km length, lap record 1:28.931.
• Archive: What Bulega Needs to Do for World Championship (September 1, 2026)