Picture this: a young World Superbike sensation leaping straight into the high-stakes world of MotoGP, filling the boots of an eight-time champion sidelined by injury. It's a plot twist that has the racing world buzzing, and Ducati might just make it happen!
With Marc Marquez, the legendary rider who's dominated MotoGP for years, looking highly unlikely to bounce back for the Portuguese Grand Prix in just three weeks' time, the Italian powerhouse Ducati is reportedly mulling over a bold opportunity for their rising star from the World Superbike Championship, Nicolò Bulega, to make his Premier Class debut.
For newcomers to the sport, MotoGP is the pinnacle of motorcycle road racing – think Formula 1 but with two-wheeled machines hitting speeds over 200 mph on global circuits. It's intense, technical, and demands peak physical and mental prowess. Bulega, who inked a two-year deal with Ducati back in May, is currently their WSBK rider and a MotoGP test pilot. His background includes valuable experience with Pirelli tires, which are set to debut in the top tier in 2027. This makes him a savvy choice for testing and potentially racing in MotoGP setups.
The Superbike season wraps up this weekend at Jerez, Spain, where it seems almost certain that Bulega's competitor, Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, will clinch the championship. That leaves Bulega free from major obligations come November, opening the door for this exciting pivot.
But here's where it gets controversial... MotoGP's chief medical officer, Ángel Charte, has bluntly stated that Marquez's return in Portugal would be "very difficult," fueling rampant speculation that Bulega could step in as Ducati's Plan B. In an interview with DAZN, Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi confirmed on Friday that the nine-time world champ (that's Marquez, with eight MotoGP titles to his name) is almost definitely out for Portimão. Tardozzi added, "We'd love for him to be back at Valencia for the season finale, but he needs a medical evaluation first. If not, no worries – we'll adapt."
This suggests Ducati is prepared for Marquez to miss out until at least the Sepang test in February 2026. And get this: Tardozzi hinted at Bulega as a replacement option, saying, "It's possible. Nicolò is focused on battling for the SBK crown in Jerez right now – we can't distract him from that. Once that's done, we'll explore his MotoGP debut at Portimão."
As for whether Ducati would arrange a pre-debut test session for Bulega, Tardozzi kept it vague: "It could be beneficial, but we'll decide after Jerez. We're not sure if it's required either." For beginners, these test days are crucial practice rounds where riders familiarize themselves with new bikes, tracks, and setups without the pressure of official races – kind of like a dress rehearsal before the big show.
To recap the backstory: Marquez suffered a nasty fracture to his right shoulder in a crash caused by Aprilia's Marco Bezzecchi on the first lap of the Indonesian Grand Prix. He returned to Spain for surgery and will sit out the upcoming Australia-Malaysia double-header to heal. Ducati's test rider, Michele Pirro, is lined up for the Australian GP this weekend and likely the Malaysian round on October 25-26.
And this is the part most people miss – or perhaps overlook: Is rushing a WSBK rider into MotoGP fair to the rider or the sport? Some fans argue it's a thrilling chance to spotlight emerging talent, while others worry it could lead to dangerous inexperience on the track. After all, MotoGP bikes are beasts compared to Superbikes, with greater power and precision required to avoid high-speed mishaps. What do you think – is this a smart gamble by Ducati, or a risky shortcut that prioritizes spectacle over safety?
Does Bulega have what it takes to shine in MotoGP, or should Marquez's spot stay vacant until he's fully recovered? Share your thoughts in the comments – do you agree with Ducati's approach, or is there a better way to handle rider injuries in such a competitive series? We're eager to hear your take!
