Nicolo Bulega reveals he had a serious MotoGP offer from KTM

Pulse Sports Team 13:47 - 18 October 2026

World Superbike champion Nicolo Bulega has revealed that joining KTM in MotoGP for the 2027 season was a genuine possibility before he ultimately signed with the VR46 squad.

The Italian rider has joined Ducati's MotoGP testing program for 2026 to assist with the development of the new 850cc machine and provide valuable feedback on Pirelli tires. While this was widely seen as a direct stepping stone toward a full-time 2027 seat with the Italian manufacturer, the rider market at one point threatened to leave him on the sidelines.

Bulega was heavily linked with a switch to Aprilia through Trackhouse Racing, as well as a potential move to KTM.

Following a sensational campaign capped off with the World Superbike title for Ducati last month, the Italian opted to reunite with Valentino Rossi's VR46 team, having previously ridden for them in Moto2 back in 2019.

Bulega has now admitted that KTM was the most serious alternative on the table, while the Aprilia option was far more limited.

"We had to wait for the key riders at the center of the market to make their moves," Bulega explained. "The KTM option was real and probably the most concrete. My manager even held meetings with their management. There was also a possibility, though a smaller one, with Aprilia. However, I always maintained that my primary wish was to stay with Ducati."

"I joined them in 2022, starting in Supersport before earning the chance to step straight into the factory Superbike team. We enjoyed a lot of victories, and winning the world championship this year was the icing on the cake. Continuing with Ducati was my ultimate goal, and we made it happen. Now, a new challenge begins."

At VR46 Ducati, Bulega will partner Fermin Aldeguer. Several competitors are already predicting that the Italian will be an immediate threat from the very start of the 2027 season due to his extensive development work with the new bikes and tires, though the rider himself has played down those expectations.