Ducati’s Rising Star Nicolò Bulega Straddles Two Worlds

Nicolò Bulega renews with Aruba.it Racing for 2026 and takes on a dual role as Ducati MotoGP test rider. Is this the quiet beginning of a Desmosedici dream?

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When Nicolò Bulega first joined the Ducati family in 2022, few could have predicted just how seamlessly he would rise through the ranks. Fast-forward to 2025, and not only is he the title contender in WorldSBK—he’s also stepping into MotoGP territory as a test rider for Ducati’s Desmosedici GP project. But this isn’t just a promotion. It’s Ducati playing a long game, and Bulega is quickly becoming one of their most strategic assets.

The announcement that Bulega will remain with Aruba.it Racing in WorldSBK for 2026 may seem like business as usual. After all, he’s leading the standings this season, with an astonishing 13 podiums and 8 victories in just 15 races. But the real twist lies in the fine print: Bulega will now also support the development of the Desmosedici GP as Ducati prepares for a new MotoGP era with Pirelli tires from 2027 onward.

This is more than just giving a talented rider some extra laps on the big bike. Ducati is building a bridge, and Bulega is the architect. With Pirelli’s entry into MotoGP, Ducati needs someone who not only knows how to win on Pirellis, but who also understands the rhythm of racing at the edge of mechanical grip. That’s where Bulega’s WorldSBK experience becomes priceless.

From a rider’s perspective, this is the kind of opportunity that whispers of something bigger. Bulega himself calls it “a part of a dream come true,” and for good reason. Few Superbike riders get a genuine shot at contributing to a MotoGP program, let alone on the revered Desmosedici GP. It’s not just a test role—it’s an audition.

And Ducati knows what they’re doing. As Luigi Dall’Igna, Ducati Corse’s general manager, put it: “Nicolò is a winning bet.” This isn’t just flattery—it’s strategy. Ducati has made a habit of identifying raw talent early, and investing in it long-term. Think Bagnaia. Think Martin. Bulega could be next, if he continues on this trajectory.

What makes this development so fascinating is its dual nature. The Italian remains a title-chasing WorldSBK front-runner while quietly inching toward MotoGP’s inner circle. It’s a foot in two very different paddocks—but both doors remain wide open.

The move also signals a cultural shift within Ducati’s racing division. Historically, there’s been a clear wall between the WorldSBK and MotoGP garages. But with Pirelli uniting both series under a single tire brand, that wall may be coming down. Riders like Bulega—bilingual in bike feel across both championships—could be the new norm.

For now, Nicolò says he’s focused on the present. The red of Ducati, the roar of the Panigale V4R, and a WorldSBK title within reach. But there’s no denying the quiet hum of a Desmosedici engine in the background.

It’s still too early to call this a MotoGP transition. But it’s certainly the start of something.