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Although Nicolo Bulega will be making his MotoGP debut in 2027, many expect the Italian to be among the frontrunners for the premier-class world title in his very first season.
The reason lies in his current role as a test rider for Ducati. In this position, he is directly spearheading the development of the Borgo Panigale marque's new 850cc machine and has logged extensive testing mileage on the Pirelli tyres set to be introduced in MotoGP from the start of the 2027 campaign.
Unofficial reports suggest Bulega has already clocked at least ten days of testing, building up substantial experience with both the new prototype and the Pirelli rubber. Consequently, the Italian is shaping up to be comfortably the best-prepared rider on the grid heading into 2027.
By comparison, the current full-time grid will have just five days of pre-season running before the season gets underway. Rookies—including Bulega—will also be permitted to take part in the two-day shakedown test, granting them an additional two days to dial into the new machinery and tyres.
"It's crazy, absolutely crazy. I'd also say it's unfair, because he's going to be a full-time rider next year with all that mileage behind him. He will build the bike around himself; it will suit him down to the ground. He'll know the bike inside out, know the tyres inside out, and he'll even have two extra days during the shakedown. The sheer experience and pace he'll have will be mind-blowing. "It's going to be unfair to the riders stepping up from Moto2 to MotoGP and to those already in the premier class. If I were a full-time rider, I'd have that exact advantage too. Consider that Bulega comes from a championship where the machinery is quite similar to the future MotoGP bikes, like in WorldSBK. Coupled with that volume of testing, I think he will crush everyone next year," commented KTM test rider Pol Espargaro on the upper hand held by Bulega, who is set to race for VR46. "Just imagine him heading to tracks where he has already tested and gathered data—and he's been to plenty. He's ridden at Mugello, surely at Jerez, he'll be at Misano... Damn, he has a ton of mileage. And he's fast. He isn't on the brink of retirement like me; he is right in his prime. "Still, that will also benefit the other Ducati riders. Marc (Marquez), Pedro (Acosta), and the rest will inherit a very refined package. Plus, they will have someone capable of pushing the bike to its absolute limit from the very first race," Espargaro added.
Marquez and Acosta, who are set to form Ducati's factory line-up next year, have also singled out Bulega as a key rider to watch closely.
"For me, it's Bulega. He is already testing, he understands the tyres, and I think he will be very fast. He is a top-level rider," reigning champion Marquez said.
"Like Marc said, Bulega is the main one to watch. Beyond that, anyone making the step up from Moto2 could be a pleasant surprise—let's see how they adapt to the tyres," Acosta remarked.
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