After testing Ducati’s MotoGP Desmosedici machine at Jerez, it has been confirmed that Nicolo Bulega will stand in for the injured Marc Marquez at the final two races of the season.
This year’s WorldSBK runner-up had a fruitful outing at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, where he had just a few hours of running (and a rumored 35 laps) on a drying track. It’s believed he didn’t get close to his WorldSBK lap record, which he posted less than two weeks prior.
“Making the MotoGP debut is the dream of any kid who aspires to become a rider,” Bulega said. “Plus, being able to ride the World Champion bike for the final two races of 2025 makes everything even more exciting.”
The Italian, who won 14 races in this year’s WorldSBK Championship, is under no illusions about the task ahead. “It’ll be a big gamble,” he said. “I have no expectations. I’ll take this experience calmly, especially because, so far, I’ve only been able to test the Desmosedici GP at Jerez. That said, I’m certainly motivated to do well and give my all.”
It is also in Ducati’s plans to have Bulega test and develop its 850cc MotoGP machine through 2026 before its debut in 2027.
It will be the Italian’s first Grand Prix appearance since he bowed out of Moto2 in underwhelming fashion with a 24th place at the 2021 Valencia GP.CN
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