Get ready for a thrilling twist in the world of MotoGP! Nicolo Bulega is stepping into the spotlight, replacing the injured Marc Marquez in the factory Ducati team, and he’s feeling a mix of excitement and jitters ahead of his debut. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Bulega, the 2023 World Supersport champion and this year’s World Superbike title runner-up, is no stranger to high-stakes racing, yet this leap to MotoGP is uncharted territory for him. After six years in Moto3 and Moto2, followed by a spectacular resurgence in WorldSBK, Bulega is now poised to take on the premier class—and the pressure is on.
While Bulega’s focus remains on WorldSBK for 2026, his role as a MotoGP test rider alongside Michele Pirro hints at bigger things to come. Many see him as a top contender for a Desmosedici race seat in the new Pirelli era starting in 2027. But first, he’s got to tackle the beast that is the Ducati GP25, which he got a taste of during a private test at Jerez last week. And this is the part most people miss: Portimao, the track for his debut, is notoriously demanding—a true test of skill and nerve.
“I’m happy and a little nervous about this debut,” Bulega admitted. “I want to savor the moment while also delivering for the team. I’m not setting any result expectations; my goal is to build confidence with the Desmosedici GP. Portimao is a unique challenge, and I’m ready to take it on.” His familiarity with the track, including a runner-up finish in this year’s WorldSBK races and a victory during his 2023 campaign, could give him an edge—but MotoGP is a whole new ballgame.
Here’s where it gets controversial: As Bulega makes his premier-class debut, newly crowned triple WorldSBK champion Toprak Razgatlioglu will also be testing a MotoGP bike at Aragon this weekend, ahead of his 2026 move to Pramac Yamaha. Razgatlioglu has set a bold hope for Bulega: fighting for the top 10. “Bulega is very strong, and the Ducati is a powerhouse on that track,” the Turkish star said. “I hope he nails it—this is huge for WorldSBK.” But is a top-10 finish realistic for a debutant on such a challenging track? That’s the question sparking debates among fans.
Meanwhile, Peter, a paddock veteran of 20 years who’s witnessed the rise and fall of legends like Valentino Rossi, is keeping a close eye on this transition. With Suzuki’s exit and Marquez’s injury saga still fresh, the MotoGP landscape is shifting—and Bulega’s debut is just one piece of the puzzle. What do you think? Can Bulega crack the top 10 on his debut, or is that too ambitious? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
