Imagine the buzz in the MotoGP world: Ducati might just be poised to give Nicolo Bulega his first taste of MotoGP action, stepping in to fill the void left by the injured Marc Marquez at the upcoming Portimao race. This is more than just a rumor; it represents a pivotal moment for both the young rider and the Ducati team.
With Marquez’s chances of competing at the Portuguese Grand Prix dwindling, as reported by MotoGP physician Angel Charte, the spotlight now turns to Bulega. The World Superbike Championship (WSBK) competitor, who inked a two-year contract with Ducati just a few months ago, has already been serving as a tester for the MotoGP team in addition to his regular racing duties. His expertise with Pirelli tires is particularly valuable, given that these tires are set to make their MotoGP debut in 2027. This connection positions him as a strong candidate for promotion.
As the superbike season draws to a close this weekend in Jerez—where rival Toprak Razgatlioglu seems set to clinch the championship—Bulega won’t have pressing obligations in November. This timing has fueled speculation that Ducati may be seriously considering him for the ride at Portimao. Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi has been transparent about the situation, acknowledging that Marquez is unlikely to recover in time for the race, while also expressing hope that he could return for the season finale in Valencia. However, this hinges on the outcome of Marquez’s medical assessments.
In an interview, Tardozzi remarked, "It’s certainly a possibility for Nicolo to replace Marquez. While he’s focused on the SBK world championship this weekend, we will evaluate the potential for his MotoGP debut soon after. We want to ensure he remains concentrated on his current goal, but the opportunity is there."
Interestingly, Tardozzi did not specify whether a test day for Bulega would be arranged before any potential debut, leaving fans speculating about how much preparation he might need. "While it would be beneficial to have a test, we will assess that requirement post-Jerez," he stated, hinting at the unpredictable nature of racing preparations.
To bring the context full circle, it’s crucial to remember that Marquez sustained a serious injury to his right shoulder when involved in a collision with Marco Bezzecchi at the Indonesian Grand Prix. Following this incident, Marquez underwent surgery and has been sidelined for the double-header in Australia and Malaysia to recuperate fully.
As the story evolves, Ducati appears to be carefully weighing their options, and the possibility of Bulega stepping up as a replacement strikes at the heart of the ongoing discussions surrounding rider dynamics in MotoGP. Are you as excited as many fans about this potential shift? Do you think it's a smart move for Ducati to bring in a fresh face, or should they hold out for Marquez? We want to hear your thoughts!
