Nicolo Bulega may be dominating in World Superbikes, but his chances of stepping up to MotoGP in 2027 appear to be slipping away as the rider market begins to take shape.
The Italian has been one of the standout performers in the Superbike World Championship, building a commanding early-season lead with a series of victories that underline his consistency and speed. However, strong results alone have not guaranteed him a place on the MotoGP grid.
Source: Sprint Filter Blog
Despite earlier expectations that Bulega could follow the path of riders transitioning from Superbikes to the premier class, recent developments suggest the available seats are rapidly being filled. Teams linked to Ducati, once considered his most likely route, are finalising their future lineups, leaving limited opportunities.
One of the key obstacles is the situation at VR46, a team previously viewed as a natural destination for Bulega given his past association with Valentino Rossi’s academy. Reports indicate that Fermin Aldeguer is set to secure a seat there, while Fabio Di Giannantonio is also expected to remain within Ducati’s plans after a strong start to the season.
Elsewhere, options are also narrowing. Gresini Racing is exploring alternative signings, including rising talents from Moto2, while other experienced riders remain in contention for available seats. This evolving market leaves Bulega without a clear pathway into a full-time MotoGP role.
Ironically, Bulega’s success in Superbikes may not be enough to change the situation. While he has already gained limited MotoGP experience as a stand-in rider and contributes as a Ducati test rider, his future could remain tied to development work rather than a race seat.
With the 2027 grid beginning to take shape well in advance, the reality is becoming clear. Unless circumstances shift significantly, Bulega may have to continue building his career outside MotoGP despite proving his ability on track.
His case highlights the increasingly competitive nature of the rider market, where timing, team strategy, and contractual commitments can outweigh even the strongest performances.
