The possibility of a MotoGP debut for Nicolo Bulega is on the horizon, and it all hinges on Marc Marquez's recovery. Could we see a rising star unexpectedly thrown into the premier class? With Marquez's return for the Portuguese Grand Prix looking increasingly unlikely, Ducati is seriously contemplating giving Nicolo Bulega, their World Superbike Championship rider, a shot at the big leagues.
Bulega's journey with Ducati began in May, when he signed a two-season contract. This agreement wasn't just for racing in the World Superbike Championship (WSBK); it also included a role as a MotoGP tester. This is where it gets interesting: Bulega's experience with Pirelli tires, which will become the spec tire for MotoGP in 2027, makes him a valuable asset for Ducati. His insights could prove crucial as the team prepares for this significant change. Think of it as Ducati getting a head start on understanding the future of MotoGP tires.
The Superbike season wraps up this weekend in Jerez. While Bulega is in the thick of a title fight – with Toprak Razgatlioglu looking like the favourite to win – his schedule clears up significantly in November. This timing is key. MotoGP doctor Angel Charte has stated that Marquez's return for the Portugal race is "very difficult." This statement has fueled speculation that Bulega could be the perfect replacement for Marquez at Portimao.
Davide Tardozzi, Ducati's team manager, addressed the situation in an interview with DAZN. He acknowledged that the nine-time world champion Marquez will almost certainly miss the Portimao race. "We would like him to be in Valencia, for the last race of the year," Tardozzi said, "but he must first undergo a medical check-up before we can determine if that is a possibility. If he ultimately can't be there, that's fine." This nonchalant acceptance from Ducati raises a few eyebrows. Are they truly at peace with Marquez potentially not riding a MotoGP bike until the Sepang test in February 2026? It almost sounds like they're preparing for a longer absence than initially anticipated.
Regarding the rumors of Bulega stepping in for Marquez at Portimao, Tardozzi confirmed that "it's a possibility." But here's where it gets controversial... He added, "Nicolo is in Jerez this weekend fighting for the SBK world championship; he shouldn't be distracted from that goal. After that, we will study the possibility of him making his MotoGP debut at Portimao." So, while the door is open, Ducati is prioritizing Bulega's current championship aspirations. This approach highlights a delicate balancing act: nurturing future talent while remaining competitive in the present.
Tardozzi remained tight-lipped about whether Ducati would organize a test day for Bulega before his potential debut. He stated that it's unclear whether such a test would even be mandatory. "It would be useful, we'll evaluate it after the Jerez weekend," he said. A test day, or lack thereof, could significantly impact Bulega's performance. Throwing a rider into a MotoGP race without prior testing is a high-stakes gamble.
Let's rewind and remember how Marquez ended up on the sidelines in the first place. He suffered a fracture to his right shoulder after being taken out by Marco Bezzecchi on the opening lap of the Indonesian Grand Prix. The incident forced Marquez to fly back to Spain for surgery. Ducati had already announced that Marquez would miss the Australia-Malaysia double-header to focus on his recovery. Their test rider, Michele Pirro, is confirmed for the Australian Grand Prix and is expected to race in Malaysia as well.
So, the stage is set: a recovering champion, a rising star, and a team weighing its options. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether we witness Nicolo Bulega's unexpected MotoGP debut at Portimao. What do you think? Is it too soon for Bulega to make the leap, or is this the perfect opportunity to showcase his talent? Should Ducati prioritize giving Bulega a test day, or is throwing him into the deep end the best way to see what he's truly capable of? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
