Nicolo Bulega to MotoGP moves a step closer after WorldSBK exit confirmed
Nicolo Bulega has moved a step closer to achieving his dream of becoming a MotoGP rider, following confirmation of his exit from WorldSBK at the end of 2026.
Nicolo Bulega is set to land a full-time MotoGP ride in 2027 after it was confirmed by Aruba.it Ducati that he will be moving on from the team.
The Italian rider will replace Franco Morbidelli at VR46, who is expected to leave MotoGP at the end of 2026.
Morbidelli’s departure from the team was confirmed on Tuesday, meaning Bulega will slot in alongside Fermin Aldeguer, once his deal has officially been announced.
This will be the first time that Bulega has raced in the Grand Prix paddock as a full-time rider, since 2022.
Following a difficult spell in Moto3 and Moto2 between 2017 to 2021, Bulega instantly became a podium finisher in World Supersport.
After finishing third in his rookie season (2022), Bulega then went on to win the championship in 2023, before earning a move to the factory Aruba.it Ducati team in WorldSBK.
Bulega won on his WorldSBK debut at Phillip Island, and although he had to wait 21 races before his next victory, Bulega soon made a habit of winning races in WorldSBK.
After finishing runner-up in his debut season to Toprak Razgatlioglu, Bulega came close to beating the Turkish star in 2025, before ultimately settling for second place once again.
However, Bulega looks set to wrap up the 2026 title after winning 26 of the first 27 races this season. Bulega holds a comfortable lead of 146 points over team-mate Iker Lecuona with only three rounds remaining.
Stefano Cecconi, Aruba.it Racing - Ducati Team Principal, said this following the confirmation that Bulega will leave the team at the end of the year:
“When we chose Nicolo, we knew we were investing in a young rider with great talent, but the journey we have shared has continued to exceed expectations. His progression makes us particularly proud because it confirms the team's philosophy: believing in hard work, in riders' growth, and in the ability to build important results step by step.
“Nicolo has integrated into the team exceptionally well and become part of our sporting family. He has earned everyone's trust and affection through professionalism and respect. We will always be grateful to him and will always cheer for him. Before that, however, there is still one mission to complete, so we can celebrate this wonderful adventure in the best possible way.”
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
