Nicolo Bulega Tests Ducati 850cc MotoGP Bike Again at Misano

Nicolo Bulega continues Ducati's 850cc MotoGP prototype development at Misano ahead of the 2027 season.

Nicolo Bulega Returns to Ducati’s 850cc MotoGP Prototype at Misano as 2027 Move Nears

Nicolo Bulega has completed another important test with Ducati’s 850cc MotoGP prototype at Misano, adding more fuel to speculation surrounding his expected move to MotoGP in 2027.

The Ducati World Superbike rider was back on the Italian manufacturer's 2027-specification MotoGP machine as the development programme continued at the Misano circuit.

Bulega's latest outing came at a crucial moment in the 2027 MotoGP rider market, with his potential move to the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team becoming increasingly prominent.

Bulega Takes Over Ducati 850cc Test Duties at Misano

While Fermin Aldeguer's deal with VR46 Ducati was officially confirmed on Wednesday, Bulega was busy working on Ducati's next-generation MotoGP prototype at Misano.

The Italian rider was required to carry out the test alone after Ducati test rider Michele Pirro was recently sidelined by injury.

According to a report from GPOne.com, Bulega concentrated on aerodynamic comparison work during the Misano session.

His performance was also notable on the timing sheets. Bulega reportedly ended the test just 1.7 seconds away from the lap record set by Francesco Bagnaia on a 1000cc MotoGP machine using Michelin tyres.

Yamaha's MotoGP test team was also present at Misano, with Augusto Fernandez reportedly finishing around one second behind Bulega.

Another Sign of Bulega's Growing Role at Ducati

Bulega's involvement in the 850cc development programme highlights the increasing responsibility being placed on the WorldSBK rider.

The 2026 World Superbike season has been particularly strong for Bulega. At the time of the test, he had suffered only one defeat during the campaign.

His advantage in the championship was already substantial, with Bulega holding a 133-point lead over Ducati team-mate Iker Lecuona.

Lecuona is also the only rider to have defeated Bulega so far during the 2026 season.

Bulega will now turn his attention back to WorldSBK, with the championship heading to Magny-Cours next weekend.

Bulega's Final Ducati Test Before MotoGP?

The Misano outing is reportedly expected to be Bulega's final test with Ducati before he officially enters MotoGP testing with VR46.

The next major opportunity should come at the Valencia test, where Bulega is expected to begin another stage of his transition toward the premier class.

His increasing involvement with Ducati's 850cc project therefore provides another important link between his current WorldSBK role and his anticipated MotoGP future.

When Will MotoGP Riders Test the Ducati 850cc Prototype Again?

Current MotoGP riders will have another opportunity to ride the new-generation 850cc machines after the Red Bull Ring round in September.

Ducati previously used Marc Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer during its first 850cc test at Brno in June.

Both riders could once again represent Ducati during the next testing opportunity.

The testing programme is particularly important because MotoGP will enter a new technical era in 2027, when the championship will move to smaller-capacity 850cc engines.

The motorcycles will also be developed around Pirelli tyres as manufacturers prepare for the major technical transition.

Ducati and VR46 Face a Major 2027 Decision

The timing of Bulega's latest test is especially interesting because the MotoGP paddock will soon return to Misano for the San Marino Grand Prix.

The event is a home race for both Ducati and VR46, making it a potentially significant weekend for the future of Bulega.

With the 2027 grid continuing to take shape, Bulega is strongly linked with the remaining VR46 Ducati seat.

The position is particularly important because it appears to be the last available Desmosedici seat for the 2027 MotoGP season.

Bulega's MotoGP Future Moves Closer

Bulega's latest 850cc test does not officially confirm his 2027 MotoGP seat by itself, but his increasing involvement with Ducati's development programme comes at a significant time.

After another successful WorldSBK campaign and increased responsibility in Ducati's MotoGP testing programme, the Italian rider appears to be moving closer to the premier class.

The upcoming San Marino Grand Prix could therefore become an important moment as Ducati and VR46 continue to shape their 2027 line-up.

For now, Bulega's focus returns to WorldSBK and Magny-Cours. But his latest appearance on Ducati's 850cc prototype has once again placed his MotoGP future firmly in the spotlight.

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