Ducati changed its 2026 MotoGP test plans for Nicolo Bulega after primary test rider Michele Pirro suffered a back injury, sources confirmed Thursday. The Italian manufacturer had originally scheduled Bulega for five outings on the 850cc GP27 prototype but was forced to increase his role as Pirro’s injury sidelined him from test duties.
Ducati’s original plan for Nicolo Bulega’s involvement in the 2026 MotoGP 850cc prototype (GP27) testing program called for five scheduled outings, shared with primary test rider Michele Pirro, according to multiple sources. Pirro, who was expected to lead the development work on the GP27, suffered a persistent back injury that sidelined him from key test sessions, including the Misano tests scheduled for Aug. 25–26, 2026. This injury forced Ducati to revise its test roster, significantly expanding Bulega’s role beyond the initial limited program designed to accommodate his concurrent World Superbike (WorldSBK) title defense.
Bulega’s first 850cc test at Mugello was brought forward by one day due to weather forecasts, enabling him to log a lap time of 1:47.2 on the GP27 prototype.
Ducati officials and media reports confirmed that Bulega, who had already made his GP27 debut at Mugello in early May 2026, was assigned additional test dates to fill the gap left by Pirro’s absence. These additional sessions include Misano on Aug. 25–26, Barcelona on Sept. 9, Mugello on Sept. 15–16, and Jerez on Oct. 7–8. This extended schedule effectively increases Bulega’s workload as a development rider, positioning him as one of the primary contributors to the 850cc GP27 program for the remainder of the 2026 season.
Records show that This early outing was part of a carefully structured plan to gradually introduce him to MotoGP testing while balancing his WorldSBK commitments with Aruba.it Racing – Ducati. Sources close to Ducati emphasized that the manufacturer’s intent was not to accelerate Bulega’s transition to a full-time MotoGP ride but rather to prepare him for the 2027 regulation changes, which mandate 850cc engines, the removal of ride-height devices, and a switch to Pirelli tires.
The expanded test program now places Bulega in a pivotal role within Ducati’s development strategy. With Pirro sidelined, Bulega’s feedback on the GP27’s handling, engine characteristics, and electronics will be critical for Ducati engineers as they refine the bike ahead of the 2027 season. Ducati’s testing campaign spans multiple circuits, including Mugello, Misano, Barcelona, and Jerez, allowing the team to collect comprehensive data on various track conditions and tire performance. Bulega’s experience in WorldSBK, which also uses Pirelli tires, is seen as advantageous in adapting to the new MotoGP tire supplier and regulations.
Sources confirmed that Pirro’s injury has caused a “forced” reshuffle in Ducati’s test plans, with the manufacturer relying more heavily on Bulega to maintain the continuity of the GP27 development program. Italian and German media reports highlighted that Pirro’s absence created a development gap that Ducati needed to address promptly to keep the 2026 test schedule on track. The decision to increase Bulega’s testing duties was described as a necessity rather than a strategic shift, underscoring the impact of Pirro’s injury on Ducati’s MotoGP preparations.
Bulega’s dual role as a WorldSBK title defender and MotoGP test rider reflects a broader contractual and strategic context. In mid-2025, sources revealed that Bulega rejected an offer from BMW to remain with Ducati in WorldSBK, influenced by Ducati’s proposal that included MotoGP testing opportunities on the 850cc prototype. Ducati had made MotoGP testing a key component of their contract negotiations with Bulega, using it as leverage to secure his continued presence within the Ducati racing ecosystem. By late 2025, Bulega had already participated in MotoGP tests on the Desmosedici at Jerez, signaling the beginning of his involvement with the GP27 project.
Ducati’s 2026 test program aligns with the forthcoming 2027 MotoGP technical regulations, which will reduce engine capacity from 1000cc to 850cc and introduce significant changes in aerodynamics and tire suppliers. The GP27 prototype is being tested exclusively on Pirelli tires, replacing Michelin, to mirror the conditions riders will face next season. Ducati’s approach combines the expertise of veteran test rider Michele Pirro with the rising talent of Nicolo Bulega to develop a competitive machine for the new era.
With Pirro’s injury preventing him from participating in several key test sessions, Bulega’s increased involvement ensures that Ducati continues to gather essential data and maintain development momentum. The expanded schedule through October 2026 will provide Bulega with extensive experience on the GP27, further integrating him into Ducati’s future MotoGP plans while he continues to compete in WorldSBK.
