2026 WorldSBK champion Nicolo Bulega announced the message he received from Valentino Rossi before transitioning to MotoGP. The Italian rider shared his expectations for his new career starting with the VR46 in 2027. Bulega stated that after achieving success in WorldSBK, he would approach the MotoGP challenge with a different mindset.
A New Challenge After WorldSBK Success
Nicolo Bulega, who cemented his place in the 2026 WorldSBK season, shared details of his meeting with Valentino Rossi after claiming his championship in Cremona. With this performance, Bulega secured the World Championship for himself by finishing second in all races he did not win, having only won four races during the season. However, the Italian rider is now expecting a much different challenge.
Rossi's Message
Valentino Rossi's message to Bulega before his move to MotoGP emphasizes the need to prepare to reunite with his former mentor. He reminded Bulega that he needs to leave behind his WorldSBK success and prepare for the new challenge in MotoGP.
He congratulated me for my work and told me to focus on the tasks ahead of me.
The Uncertainty of a MotoGP Seat
Bulega's transition to MotoGP has been marked by noteworthy developments. Ducati had appointed the Italian rider as a test rider for the 850cc motorcycle project in 2027. This agreement was thought to secure Bulega a seat in MotoGP. However, a possibility emerged that the Italian rider might not be in the 2027 grid during a certain phase of the transfer period. Bulega, having agreed to the deal with the VR46 Ducati, secured a chance to compete in the MotoGP era with new regulations. Due to the test experience gained on 850cc motorcycles, some riders believe that Bulega could be competitive from the start of the 2027 season and even participate in a championship fight. However, the WorldSBK champion does not want to raise expectations.
I will not see myself in first place constantly next year.
Bulega, who had a nearly flawless season in WorldSBK, acknowledged that the expectation of a rider who constantly wins can change. The Italian rider is aware that achieving the same results in MotoGP is not possible immediately.
If you can get second place after one race, it means you are entering an unrealistically realistic world.
A New Mindset
Bulega emphasized that he will approach his first MotoGP season with a different mindset. It will be his first year in MotoGP. There is still much he needs to learn, and the level of competition is incredibly high.
Bulega reminded that he adopted a similar approach when he first entered WorldSBK, stating that he had set no specific result target for his first year in MotoGP. Therefore, he has no expectations. The situation was the same during his first year in the Superbike World Championship.
Bulega believes that success comes from patient and disciplined work.
I will work hard, I will do the best I can, I will focus, and I will be meticulous about the details. I will try to get closer to the top in every race.
Bulega, who reached the championship by having a significant advantage over his rivals in WorldSBK, is now preparing to prove himself at the highest level of MotoGP with Rossi's VR46 team.
Statements
Nicolo Bulega:
It will not be like this when it comes to MotoGP. I will not see myself in first place constantly next year.
Nicolo Bulega:
I will start the season with a different mindset. It will be my first year in MotoGP. There is still much I need to learn, and the level of competition is incredibly high.
Figures
- Archive: Message from Valentino Rossi to Nicolo Bulega: Thinking about upcoming tasks (October 14, 2026)
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Go to sourceCompiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz
