Pit-lane plot twist: Nicolo Bulega linked with Trackhouse in pre-2027 MotoGP shake-up

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Nicolo Bulega is weighing up his next move as he looks to break into MotoGP in 2027. The World Superbikes rider could be on the way out at Ducati, with Trackhouse emerging as a possible landing spot.

After stepping in for the injured Marc Marquez late in the 2025 season, Bulega is now aiming for a full-time spot in the top class. His contract with Aruba runs until the end of 2026, so he’s got some time to consider his options.

There’s no path into the factory Ducati team, with Marquez and Pedro Acosta already locked in for 2027. VR46 doesn’t appear to be an option either; Fermin Aldeguer is signed up and Fabio Di Giannantonio is expected to stay put.

Daniel Holgado’s promotion from Moto2 will fill one of Gresini’s two open seats next year, but they’ve made it clear they’re not interested in Bulega, citing his limited experience as a concern.

Hints from Bulega’s management suggest that a split from Ducati could be on the cards once his deal runs out. With all doors seemingly closed within Borgo Panigale, they appear ready to explore other options around the grid.

Nicolo Bulega might compete with Enea Bastianini for a Trackhouse seat in 2027

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The rider market has been quick to shift in 2026, with seats filling up rapidly as riders lock down contracts for the following year. While most spots are now taken, Bulega still has a few possibilities to consider.

Speaking on his #ZamTube YouTube channel, journalist Giovanni Zamagni mentioned Trackhouse as one potential destination. Ai Ogura is heading to Yamaha for 2027, and Raul Fernandez’s plans are still unclear.

Bulega may be in line for a spot at the American team, but according to Zamagni, he could end up competing with Enea Bastianini for it. Bastianini is also being linked with Gresini as he looks for a way out of KTM.

“Nicolò does have alternatives,” said Zamagni. “First and foremost, Aprilia Trackhouse. This would also be an excellent alternative because Aprilia is a very competitive bike, and Bulega is precisely the kind of rider someone like Davide Brivio likes.

“Developing young riders, nurturing them, and taking a chance on riders. So, he would certainly find a very favourable environment, making him a great alternative. In this case, too, he could be competing for that spot with Enea Bastianini.”

Gresini unlikely to pair two rookies for 2027 MotoGP season

Zamagni also mentioned that while Gresini probably wouldn’t have to cover Bulega’s salary if he joined, the team is still unlikely to go with two rookies in 2027. Holgado and Bulega both have limited experience at this level.

“We have seen how riders who have come through the Gresini team have consistently achieved great results,” he said. “Every rider who has come through the Gresini team since 2022 has won at least one Grand Prix, so it is certainly a top-class team.

“However, it is unlikely that Team Gresini will field two rookies in MotoGP. The advantage of signing Bulega is that, in my opinion, the contract would be directly with Ducati, so Gresini would not have the financial burden of Nicolò’s salary.

“And the other point in Bulega’s favour is that Ducati would be keen to put Bulega in that team, so in short, two points in Bulega’s favour. There are many riders in the running for that spot, including Enea Bastianini. It’s not easy for Nicolo, but that’s the situation at Ducati.”

Read more:

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