News Summary
- Marc Márquez and Pedro Acosta have identified Nicolò Bulega as one of MotoGP’s most intriguing arrivals for 2027.
- Bulega has extensive experience with Pirelli tyres through WorldSBK and is already testing Ducati’s 850cc prototype.
- The Italian will leave WorldSBK to join VR46 Ducati as MotoGP introduces substantially different technical regulations.
MotoGP’s sweeping 2027 rules reset may give Nicolò Bulega an opportunity rarely available to a premier-class rookie: arriving with more experience of the new tyres and machinery than several established riders.
Marc Márquez and Pedro Acosta believe that combination could make Bulega one of the surprises of next season. The Italian will join VR46 Ducati as MotoGP switches from Michelin to Pirelli tyres and reduces engine capacity from 1000cc to 850cc.
Bulega is already familiar with both elements of the transition. He has raced on Pirelli rubber throughout his WorldSBK career and is working as a Ducati test rider on the manufacturer’s new 850cc prototype.
Bulega’s circumstances therefore differ considerably from those of a conventional rookie. While the current MotoGP field prepares for a major technical reset, the 26-year-old has spent the year accumulating mileage on the motorcycle and tyres that will define the championship’s next era.
“For me, Bulega,” Márquez said when asked during the Austrian GP press conference which 2027 rider move interested him most. “He’s testing already, he knows the tyres, and I believe that he will be fast. He’s a very good rider.”
Bulega was previously a member of Valentino Rossi’s VR46 Riders Academy and competed in Moto3 and Moto2 before rebuilding his career in production-based racing. He won the 2023 World Supersport title and subsequently became a leading WorldSBK rider with Ducati.
His return to the Grand Prix paddock is therefore not simply a promotion from another championship. It is the culmination of a route that has given him knowledge directly relevant to MotoGP’s new regulations.
Why Bulega’s Pirelli experience matters
Pirelli will replace Michelin as MotoGP’s tyre supplier in 2027, creating an adaptation challenge across the grid. Riders will need to understand a different construction, behaviour under braking and response as grip deteriorates.
Bulega has years of experience with Pirelli through WorldSSP and WorldSBK. That does not guarantee immediate MotoGP success, but it should reduce one of the major unknowns facing the rest of the field.
Pol Espargaró has already warned that MotoGP’s switch to Pirelli tyres will produce a “drastic” change, arguing that riders coming from Moto2 or WorldSBK could initially benefit from their familiarity with the supplier.
Bulega has an additional advantage because Ducati selected him to help develop its 850cc prototype. His testing role was incorporated into his latest agreement with the manufacturer, creating a pathway that ultimately led to the VR46 seat.
That work continued at Mugello this week, although the test ended with a violent highside at Arrabbiata 2. Bulega was taken to hospital for examinations but escaped the accident without any fractures.
Acosta expects 850cc bikes to help new arrivals
Acosta agreed with his future Ducati team-mate and suggested the characteristics of the 850cc motorcycles could make the transition easier for MotoGP newcomers.
“As Marc said, Bulega will be a nice move,” Acosta said. “Also, everyone who is moving from Moto2 will be a nice surprise, to see how they manage knowing the tyres.”
The KTM rider expects the reduced-capacity motorcycles to be less physically and technically demanding than the current generation.
“I also think the bikes will be easier to ride than the ones we are using now,” he added. “It will be a nice surprise to see how the Moto2 riders adapt to the new category.”
Jorge Martín alongside Marc Márquez and Pedro Acosta. Márquez and Acosta believe future VR46 rider Nicolò Bulega can impress in 2027 (Photo: AFP)
Bulega will enter MotoGP with considerably more experience than when he left the Grand Prix paddock at the end of 2021. His WorldSBK success, Pirelli knowledge and role in Ducati’s 850cc development give VR46 a rider already embedded in the manufacturer’s preparations.
MotoGP returns at the Austrian GP on Saturday with FP2 at 09:10 UK and 04:10 ET. Qualifying begins at 09:50 UK and 04:50 ET, followed by the Sprint at 14:00 UK and 09:00 ET. Sunday’s Grand Prix starts at 13:00 UK and 08:00 ET.
MotoGP today: FAQ
Who won the 2026 Austrian MotoGP Grand Prix?
Pedro Acosta won the Austrian GP, beating Jorge Martín by 1.017s after taking the lead on lap nine.
Was Austria Pedro Acosta’s first MotoGP victory?
Yes. The 2026 Austrian GP was Acosta’s first full-distance MotoGP victory after 15 previous premier-class podiums.
Who leads the 2026 MotoGP championship after Austria?
Jorge Martín leads with 306 points. Marc Márquez is second on 294, leaving Martín 12 points ahead with seven rounds remaining.
Why could Nicolò Bulega have an advantage in MotoGP in 2027?
Bulega already has extensive experience with Pirelli tyres through WorldSBK and has tested Ducati’s new 850cc MotoGP prototype. Both the tyre supplier and engine regulations will change in 2027.
