Nicolo Bulega wants a full-time MotoGP ride in 2027, but his pathway is far from certain. He is Ducati’s test and reserve rider and publicly insists he deserves a 2027 MotoGP seat, and Ducati does not share that view, creating a public disagreement about his immediate future. Bulega made his MotoGP debut at the end of 2025 as Marc Márquez’s injury replacement and scored two Sunday points in Portugal and Valencia, the only Sunday points Ducati scored while Márquez was out. His contract with Aruba expires this year, and several reports say most Desmosedici seats already appear booked as Ducati pursues different plans, which shrinks his realistic MotoGP options unless Ducati changes course or other teams open places.

Commentators have pointed to alternative routes, including a move linked to Trackhouse and interest from Aprilia. An article suggested Aprilia should target the Ducati-backed Bulega for 2027, potentially routed through Trackhouse, noting his relatively faster adaptation to Pirelli tires as a technical asset and as a way to deny Ducati a development resource. Journalist Giovanni Zamagni has suggested Trackhouse boss Davide Brivio could champion Bulega and that Bulega might line up alongside Enea Bastianini at Trackhouse. A factory Ducati seat looks closed since Marc Márquez and Pedro Acosta are signed for 2027, and VR46 appears unlikely because Fermin Aldeguer is locked in and Fabio Di Giannantonio is expected to keep his seat. Bulega has been linked with Gresini, but Zamagni and others argue Gresini would probably avoid running two rookies in 2027. His manager has said offers are limited because Ducati-affiliated seats are largely occupied by VR46 and Gresini. The market is crowded, with Joan Mir, Luca Marini and several Moto2 prospects also in contention, and Ai Ogura confirmed at Yamaha for 2027.

MotoGP will undergo a major technical overhaul in 2027, with 850cc engines, reduced aerodynamics, a ban on ride-height devices and a switch to Pirelli tires, changes that could reshape team priorities and rider lineups. Bulega has been working on Ducati’s 850cc development while racing in WorldSBK, and his WorldSBK form this season has been strong: he opened the campaign with six wins in six races and leads the championship. One report noted he is not due to test Ducati’s new 850cc bike until at least June. Ultimately, whether Bulega moves to MotoGP in 2027 will depend on final team decisions, seat availability and how the 2027 technical changes affect team strategy.

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