Gresini not interested in Nicolo Bulega even if KTM stops Enea Bastianini’s return
· Yahoo Sports
Gresini are now putting Ducati in a tough spot, as the Italian team has no interest in signing Nicolo Bulega, despite the manufacturer’s earlier promise to bring him into MotoGP.
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Bulega’s contract with Ducati included a guarantee of a MotoGP seat in 2027, following his stint as both a Superbike rider and test rider for the top class in 2026. But the market has moved on since then, and it looks increasingly unlikely that space will be found for him.
The original plan was to align Bulega’s move with the introduction of new regulations and Pirelli tyres. He is expected to be on top of World Superbikes by then, and already has experience with Pirelli rubber from his time there.
Since Toprak Razgatlioglu left for Pramac Yamaha, Bulega has been clear of any real competition in World Superbikes. If he stays out of trouble and keeps the bike reliable, there’s every chance he could sweep through this season without dropping a race.
Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty ImagesGresini looks set to pass on Nicolo Bulega, citing concerns over his MotoGP readiness
Even if Bulega dominates the 2026 World Superbike season, his path to MotoGP now appears to depend on the unlikely scenario of Marc Marquez stepping away. VR46 no longer has room for him, and Gresini isn’t interested in adding him to their line-up.
That’s according to Motorpasion Moto, which reports that Bulega has virtually no chance of sealing a move to MotoGP. While VR46 are open to fielding Bulega in 2027, he is not the first name on their list, as Valentino Rossi’s outfit is most likely to re-sign Fabio Di Giannantonio.
Ducati is expected to assign Fermin Aldeguer to VR46 in 2027 as part of an extended satellite contract agreement. With Gresini showing no interest in Bulega, his final hope may rest on Ducati being forced into a late change should Marquez step down.
Gresini reportedly isn’t interested at all. They prefer a blend of youth and experience and see Holgado as the future alongside a more seasoned rider. Their preferred option appears clear: bring back Enea Bastianini from KTM Tech3 after four seasons away from Gresini, pairing him with Holgado.
KTM also has an option to keep Bastianini through 2027 by extending his factory contract, which could further complicate matters for both Gresini and the rider himself.
Bulega’s only taste of MotoGP came in two late-2025 appearances for Ducati when he stepped in following Marquez’s shoulder surgery. He raced once each at Portugal and Valencia after just one private test session, finishing P15 both times.
This year will provide additional testing experience with Ducati’s 850cc development bike for 2027, but even that — along with his knowledge of Pirelli tyres — hasn’t been enough to sway Gresini into taking a gamble on him.
Bastianini had some outstanding performances during his time with Gresini back in 2022, when he finished third overall, so it makes sense why they’d want someone like him back rather than rolling the dice on another rookie campaign alongside Holgado.
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