Marc Marquez highlights Rossi prodigy's two major advantages
Marquez can't wait to see Bulega in MotoGP (Credit: Apex Agency)
17:42, 17 Sep
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Connor Andrews is Formula 1 and MotoGP writer for GPblog and various outlets. Having worked in motorsport for 15 years for leading companies, he has interviewed the sports biggest names and attended multiple Grands Prix.
With the 2027 MotoGP grid now complete, one new name is causing more intrigue than any other.
Moto2 title contender Senna Agius completed next year’s line-up by signing with Tech3, putting an end to a ‘Silly Season’ full of drama.
However, among the 22 riders, one has drawn attention from next year’s Ducati pairing.
Ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, future teammates Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta were asked which move has excited them the most, and they were both in agreement.
Marc Marquez and Acosta agree on Rossi prodigy Bulega
Marquez responded: “I'd say [Nicolo] Bulega. He's already testing, he knows the tyres, and I think he'll be good.
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“I can't wait to see him and [2027 VR46 teammate Fermin] Aldeguer. They're both charismatic riders."
Acosta agreed, adding: "As Marc said, Bulega, it will be interesting to see him..."
Bulega was one of the final names to book a 2027 grid spot, signing for Valentino Rossi’s VR46 Racing.
The 26-year-old was one of Rossi’s first-ever academy products, but didn’t make the step up to MotoGP despite two wildcard appearances last year.
Since leaving Grand Prix motorcycle racing, he’s moved to Superbikes and quickly found his feet.
Bulega will head to MotoGP on a huge high and with two advantages (Photo: Ducati Media House)
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Valentino Rossi explains Bulega’s journey back to MotoGP
Second in 2024 and 2025, he’s utterly dominated this season on a Ducati, winning 24 out of 27 races in WorldSBK to put one hand on the title.
Explaining the call which was announced in Misano, Rossi said: “It’s a good story because Nicolo started with us, with the academy at the beginning of his career.
“We helped him a lot, so everybody expected a lot from Nicolo from the beginning, but unfortunately maybe he was not ready, maybe unlucky.
“He knows the new bike because he’s the tester, so I think it can be fun.”
Bulega already has an upper hand on much of this year’s MotoGP grid, or two, to be precise.
Not only has he been testing the 850cc Ducati for the seismic new era of MotoGP regulations, but he’s spent this year winning on Pirelli tyres.
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The manufacture replaces Michelin next year and is considered by many to be the biggest chance of the sport’s new era.
Toprak Razgatlioglu has already shone since switching over to MotoGP, and four Moto2 riders will join him with Pirelli already used in the second tier series.
Pirelli switch could play into Rossi prodigy’s hands
Summing up just how drastic things will be, KTM test rider Pol Espargaro explained: “They are very different tyres. And I have the feeling that the riders are not really aware of the change that is coming.
“I’ve heard Toprak compare the current tyres and the Pirellis many times, and say that he is not able to ride with these Michelins and that he does not feel comfortable.
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"I experienced the switch from Bridgestone to Michelin and now the switch from Michelin to Pirelli, and the change is wild, much bigger than what we experienced with that change in 2016.
"Back then, each supplier had some stronger points and some weaker ones, but the way of riding was very similar. Now, with the Pirellis, everything changes completely. The bike is another world.”
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Overview
Thursday 24.09.26
Practice 1
08:30 AM
Practice 2
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Friday 25.09.26
Practice 3
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Saturday 26.09.26
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Thursday 24.09.26
Practice 1
Thu 08:30 AM
Practice 2
Thu 12:00 PM
Friday 25.09.26
Practice 3
Fri 08:30 AM
Qualification
Fri 12:00 PM
Saturday 26.09.26
Race
Sat 11:00 AM
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