Nicolo Bulega’s path to a 2027 MotoGP seat appears to be blocked despite WSBK dominance

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Bulega’s MotoGP hopes hit by Ducati’s surprise rider line-up change

Nicolo Bulega is exactly where most people expected him to be in the 2026 World Superbike championship — out in front, setting the pace.

Bulega has been perfect through the first two rounds of the season, winning all six races and opening up a commanding lead over Iker Lecuona (124 vs 68) in second place.

There had been plenty of speculation that Bulega might follow Toprak Razgatlioglu into MotoGP, especially after his short stint filling in for Marc Marquez and later moving into a role with Ducati’s test team.

Bulega’s VR46 hopes fade as Ducati eyes Di Giannantonio

Bulega’s ties to VR46 have been strong, given his history with Valentino Rossi’s academy. But those links aren’t carrying as much weight as they once did.

Though nothing has been made official yet, Fermin Aldeguer is widely expected to move up from Gresini and take a seat at VR46 in 2027.

Speedweek has reported that Ducati is keen on placing Fabio Di Giannantonio in the other seat at Rossi’s team. Di Giannantonio, who has a direct contract with the factory, has started the season well.

The Italian leads all Desmosedici riders in the standings, including reigning world champion Marc Marquez. It looks like he could be the one to keep Bulega out of VR46.

Gresini’s likely 2027 line-up is coming into focus

With Alex Marquez heading to KTM, Gresini are expected to fill both seats with new faces. Despite holding talks with Honda, the team are reportedly set to continue their relationship with Ducati.

Gresini have been linked with a move for Daniel Holgado from Moto2. And even though Ducati missed out on signing David Alonso, they’re still getting his teammate.

Enea Bastianini is also rumoured to be joining Gresini once his contract with Tech3 runs out, further limiting options for Bulega within the paddock.

If Bulega does take this year’s WSBK title, he may see his time in that series as finished. But without a clear path into a full-time MotoGP ride – factory or otherwise – he may have little choice but to settle for more test roles instead.