Bulega Secures Full-Time MotoGP Move With VR46
Nicolò Bulega will make the full-time move to MotoGP in 2027 after signing with the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, completing an all-new rider line-up for Valentino Rossi's squad.
VR46 officially confirmed the deal on September 9, with Bulega set to partner Fermín Aldeguer aboard Ducati machinery next season. The Italian joins from WorldSBK, where he has established himself as one of the championship's standout performers.
The move also brings Bulega back to familiar surroundings. His Grand Prix career began with VR46 in Moto3, making his World Championship debut as a wildcard in 2015.
More than a decade later, Bulega is returning to VR46 — this time as a MotoGP rider.
Bulega Gets Factory Ducati Machinery
Bulega's deal carries major significance beyond simply securing a MotoGP seat.
According to Motorsport.com, the Italian will be contracted directly to Ducati and supplied with a factory-spec bike, putting him alongside Marc Márquez, Pedro Acosta and Aldeguer in Ducati's factory-supported structure.
It also means VR46 is set to operate two factory-spec Ducatis for the first time, strengthening the team's technical position heading into MotoGP's new era.
Ducati has separately confirmed the renewal of its agreement with Bulega, describing his MotoGP promotion as the next step in a relationship built through his success in WorldSBK and development work.
VR46 isn't simply signing a rookie. Ducati is putting serious factory support behind him.
Bulega Already Has MotoGP Race Experience
The 2027 season will technically be Bulega's first full MotoGP campaign, but it won't be his first time racing a Desmosedici GP.
He made his premier-class debut at the end of 2025 after Ducati selected him to replace the injured Marc Márquez for the Portuguese and Valencia Grands Prix.
Bulega scored points in both appearances, gaining valuable experience before taking on his Ducati testing role for 2026.
That experience could prove particularly valuable because 2027 represents one of MotoGP's biggest technical resets.
The championship will move to 850cc machinery, and Bulega has already gained development experience with Ducati's next-generation project.
New bike. New regulations. But Bulega won't be starting from zero.
Bulega and Aldeguer Give VR46 a New-Look Line-Up
Bulega's arrival completes a completely refreshed VR46 rider pairing.
He will join Fermín Aldeguer, giving the Tavullia-based squad two young Ducati-backed riders as it begins the new regulations cycle.
Bulega is expected to replace Franco Morbidelli, while Aldeguer had already been confirmed for the team in August.
The combination gives VR46 an intriguing balance.
Aldeguer already brings full-time MotoGP experience and race-winning pedigree, while Bulega arrives with enormous momentum from WorldSBK and intimate knowledge of Ducati's development programme.
Bulega's MotoGP Opportunity Has Finally Arrived
Bulega's career has taken a very different route to the traditional MotoGP ladder.
He competed in Moto3 and Moto2 before rebuilding his career in the production-based championships, winning the 2023 WorldSSP title and eventually becoming a dominant force in WorldSBK.
Now that journey has taken him back to the Grand Prix paddock.
For Winbox Racing, Bulega will immediately become one of the most interesting rookies to watch in 2027. He already knows Ducati machinery, has MotoGP race experience and will arrive during a major technical reset that could reduce the usual advantage enjoyed by established riders.
From VR46 prospect to WorldSBK superstar.
Now Nicolò Bulega is coming back to MotoGP with factory Ducati machinery and unfinished business.
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