Valentino Rossi prodigy crowned world champion before huge MotoGP move

The long-time Valentino Rossi prodigy did what he needed to do in front of his home Italian crowd in Cremona with two rounds still to go.

He came home in second twice behind Ducati teammate Iker Lecuona, who claimed a weekend hat-trick including the shortened Superpole race.

However, that takes nothing from Bulega, who broke various long-standing records in his championship season, including the sport’s longest-ever win streak, which stands at 25 races in a row dating back to the 2025 season.

Overall, he’s taken 26 out of 30 available wins this campaign and hasn’t once finished off the podium.

Speaking after taking the crown, Bulega, who admitted he thought his career was over when he left Moto2, broke down in tears.

He said: “I’m incredibly happy. I have to say thanks to my team because… [cries] they gave me an incredible opportunity. Thanks to them.”

The feat prepares him perfectly for his return to Grand Prix racing, where he will be competing for Rossi’s VR46 team.

Bulega was one of the first members of the Italian legend’s famed academy, but never quite hit the mark in Grand Prix racing.

Having competed in Moto3 and Moto2, he stepped away in 2021 for Superbikes, only returning for a two-race substitute MotoGP appearance in 2025.

Now, though, there are plenty of expectations that he will hit the ground running back in the premier class after stunning the world of superbikes.

Not only has the 26-year-old found his form, but he comes to MotoGP with two massive advantages.

Bulega has been racing on Pirelli tyres, which will be introduced to MotoGP next season, and have been cited by many test riders as the biggest challenge of the new 2027 regulations.

Furthermore, Bulega has been extensively testing Ducati’s 2027 challenger himself and knows his way around the bike perfectly before stepping into satellite machinery with VR46.

Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta have already named the Emilia-Romagna native as the most interesting rider to watch in 2027.

In fact, Bulega knows the new era of 850cc bikes so well that former MotoGP regular and KTM test rider Pol Espargaro has already declared him next year’s title favourite.

Bulega said in response: “For me, there's nothing to say; we didn't do anything against the rules. I'm a Superbike rider; why can't I test a MotoGP bike?

Bulega will partner Fermin Algeguer at VR46 with the Spaniard becoming the first non-Italian to race for the team.