Present WorldSBK factors chief Nicolo Bulega is anticipated to proceed with Ducati within the manufacturing spinoff sequence in 2026, having declined a suggestion from BMW.
Bulega has ignored “a gorgeous financial proposal from BMW”, in keeping with Italian broadcaster Sky Italia.
This might be to switch Bulega’s present chief 2025 World Superbike title rival Toprak Razgatlioglu, who is anticipated to make his personal MotoGP transfer with the Pramac Yamaha group.
Nicolo Bulega, although, is as an alternative anticipated to signal a brand new contract to remain at Ducati in WorldSBK, however the brand new deal will embrace the likelihood to check MotoGP equipment in 2026.
With the regulation change coming within the premier class of grand prix racing in 2027, Bulega’s testing would happen on the prototype of Ducati’s first 850cc Desmosedici, with no trip peak machine and Pirelli tyres.
That 2026 testing programme may result in a race seat in MotoGP in 2027 on an official Ducati contract, much like what Fermin Aldeguer and Fabio Di Giannantonio presently have with the Gresini Racing and Pertamina Enduro VR46 groups, respectively, in 2025.
Whereas Bulega is anticipated to stay with the Aruba.it Racing Ducati group subsequent 12 months, his teammate is anticipated to have a brand new id.
It’s because the manufacturing facility Ducati squad has reportedly determined to train a clause in Bautista’s contract which might see the second 12 months of it, 2026, cancelled.
Bulega and Bautista have shared the Aruba Ducati field since Bulega made his debut season in 2024 when he stepped up as World Supersport Champion.
However the Italian’s superior outcomes to the 40-year-old double World Superbike Champion over final 12 months and the primary a part of this season (Bautista hasn’t completed forward of Bulega in a WorldSBK race since he received Race 2 at Aragon final September).
In distinction, it’s Bulega’s efficiency versus not solely Bautista but additionally the aforementioned Razgatlioglu that has prompted the opportunity of a future MotoGP transfer for the 25-year-old.
