Nicolo Bulega: Ducati MotoGP chance “depends a lot” on other riders

Nicolo Bulega admits that his 2027 Ducati MotoGP hopes “depend a lot” on the decisions of other riders, including Fabio di Giannantonio.

However, the WorldSBK title leader confirmed he also has other options and hasn't ruled out remaining in the production-based championship.

The Italian looked to have a good chance of securing a Ducati MotoGP seat for next season's new 850/Pirelli era after scoring a point in each of his appearances in place of the injured Marc Marquez last year.

That was followed by confirmation that Bulega, who already has Pirelli experience from WorldSBK, would be given an official Ducati development role for the 2027 machine.

But the factory’s six Desmosedicis already appear to be filling up fast.

Pedro Acosta is set to join Marc Marquez at the official team, while Gresini is tipped for an all-new line-up of Dani Holgado and Enea Bastianini. VR46 is expected to run Fermin Aldeguer while attempting to retain di Giannantonio.

However, di Giannantonio’s top Ducati status in the current world championship standings appears to have attracted the attention of KTM, where he could join Alex Marquez in an all-new factory line-up.

Such a move could open the door for Bulega to return to VR46, where he spent five years in Moto3 and Moto2.

“We’re talking [with Ducati], and there are several options,” Bulega told GPOne.com.

“The best solution would be to make it to MotoGP, but under the right conditions... with a competitive bike and a package that allows me to be a contender.

“I’m not interested in going just to say I’m there.

“It’s my dream, but I want to do it right, especially since I didn’t have a positive experience in [grand prix] in the past.”

He added: “When it comes to the Ducati side, a lot will also depend on the choices of other riders, such as Fabio di Giannantonio.

“But there are also other options, not just tied to him.”

Bulega was thought to have a chance at Trackhouse Aprilia, following Ai Ogura’s reported move to Yamaha.

However, team principal Davide Brivio has indicated a preference for experience.

"I don't think it's the right time to invest in a rookie,” Brivio said at Jerez.

Bulega's WorldSBK title rival and reigning champion, Toprak Razgatlioglu, moved to MotoGP this season, with the Italian undefeated after the opening nine races of 2026.

The Aruba.it Ducati rider will be seeking a 14th consecutive win in a row, a run that started in late 2025, at this weekend’s Balaton Park round.