Nicolo Bulega will continue to compete for Ducati in the Superbike World Championship in 2026 – at the same time, he will strengthen the MotoGP test team for the new 2027 motorcycle
Ducati has officially extended its contract with Nicolo Bulega for 2026. On the one hand, the Italian will continue to compete for the factory team in the Superbike World Championship. On the other hand, Bulega will also be part of the MotoGP test team next year alongside Michele Pirro.
The plan is to involve the 25-year-old in the development program for the new Desmosedici for 2027. In the new technical regulations, the displacement will be reduced to 850 cubic centimeters, ride height systems will be banned, and aerodynamics will be curtailed.
Pirelli will also be the new sole tire supplier for MotoGP. The Italian brand will have to develop new prototype tires for this. Nevertheless, it is assumed that Bulega’s Superbike experience with Pirelli will be helpful.
Ducati Corse boss Luigi Dall’Igna confirms this strategic thinking: “With the imminent arrival of the new tire supplier, Nicolo is a valuable resource for the further development and adaptation of the Desmosedici GP to Pirelli tires.”
“This new role is an additional incentive for him to develop further as a rider – and at the same time a great sign of appreciation and trust.” Pirro has been a Ducati test rider since 2013 and is now 38 years old.
With Bulega, Ducati is not only adding a rider with Pirelli experience to its test team, but also a significantly younger one. “I am very happy to take on the role of Ducati test rider for MotoGP,” says the Italian.
“This is a dream come true – because not many riders get the chance to test the Ducati Desmosedici GP. It’s a very important goal in my life that I’m achieving, and I’ll try to make the most of this opportunity.”
From a sporting perspective, the aim is to continue the success story in the Superbike World Championship. Bulega became Ducati Supersport World Champion in 2023. In his first season in the Superbike World Championship, he won his first race and finished as runner-up in the world championship.
Bulega has already celebrated eight victories in the current season and leads the World Championship standings ahead of defending champion Toprak Razgatlioglu (BMW). “Nicolo is a real success story in the Ducati Corse project,” says Dall’Igna, enthused about his compatriot.