Get ready for an exciting twist in the 2025 MotoGP season! Nicolo Bulega steps into the spotlight as Marc Marquez's replacement for the final two rounds in Portugal and Valencia.
Nicolo, the talented World SBK runner-up, will make his highly anticipated Premier Class debut on the formidable Desmosedici GP. But here's the kicker: he's done more than just test the bike; he's already put in some serious track time at the Circuito de Jerez - Angel Nieto.
The Ducati Lenovo Team has a real gem in Nicolo Bulega, who will be making his MotoGP debut at the Portuguese GP in Portimao next week (November 7-9). With an impressive resume that includes the 2023 Supersport World Championship title, a runner-up finish in the 2024/25 production-based championship, and his role as a MotoGP test rider for the Borgo Panigale factory, Nicolo is poised to make a big impact.
In Portimao, Nicolo will celebrate his 100th race in the World Championship (50 in Moto3 and 49 in Moto2) with this monumental opportunity. He shared his excitement, saying, "I'm thrilled to end the season with this last-minute surprise. Riding in MotoGP is every aspiring rider's dream, and doing so on the World Champion bike for the final two races of 2025 is an incredible thrill. I'm going into this with an open mind, as I've only tested the Desmosedici GP at Jerez so far. But I'm motivated to give it my all and make the most of this experience."
Luigi Dall'Igna, General Manager of Ducati Corse, expressed his enthusiasm for Nicolo's progress, stating, "We're delighted to see Nicolo working with the Desmosedici GP. He's been a valued member of the Ducati Corse family since 2022, when we brought him on to ride the Supersport bike. His two seasons in Superbike as an absolute protagonist, where he nearly claimed the title, have solidified his status as our go-to rider. Next year, he'll be working alongside Michele Pirro in developing the Desmosedici GP with new tires, and what better way to start this new role as a test rider than by racing in the final two GPs? It's a demanding task, but we hope he enjoys the process and finds great satisfaction in his debut in the top category of our sport."
This move is sure to spark some debate among MotoGP fans. What do you think about Nicolo Bulega's debut? Will he make a strong impression in these final races? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss!
