Nicolò Bulega will continue his journey with Aruba.it Racing through 2026, marking a new chapter in the World Superbike Championship aboard the Ducati Panigale V4R. The 1999-born Italian rider, who has been part of the Ducati and Aruba.it racing ecosystem since 2022—first in World Supersport and then in WorldSBK starting in 2023—remains committed to the iconic red of Borgo Panigale.
The renewed contract highlights Ducati’s confidence in Bulega’s talent and racing evolution. Beyond WorldSBK, Bulega is set to play a crucial role in MotoGP development. Working alongside veteran test rider Michele Pirro, he will contribute to the advancement of the Ducati Desmosedici GP, specifically in testing with Pirelli tires. His input becomes particularly valuable as MotoGP transitions to Pirelli as the sole tire supplier from 2027, mirroring WorldSBK standards.
Bulega’s track record speaks volumes: he secured the World Supersport Championship in 2022, achieved an impressive runner-up finish in the 2023 Superbike standings as a rookie, and in the 2024 season, he currently leads the championship with 252 points after 15 races—boasting 13 podium finishes, 8 race wins, and 2 pole positions.
Nicolò Bulega (#11 Aruba.it Racing Ducati)
“I am very happy to take on the role of Ducati test rider for MotoGP. It is a part of a dream come true because there are not many riders who are given the chance to try the Ducati Desmosedici GP. It is a very important goal for my life that I achieve and I will try to make the most of this opportunity, also to gain further experience in the Ducati world. I thank Claudio, Gigi, Mauro and everyone at Borgo Panigale who thought of me by offering me this opportunity that I want to fully exploit to achieve concrete results. The future? I am only thinking about the present, about defending the colors of Aruba and Ducati in Superbike and when I get on the Desmosedici GP. What will happen next we will find out in due time because the priorities are now clear”.
Luigi Dall’Igna (General Manager of Ducati Corse)
“Nicolò represents a winning bet for the Ducati Corse project. We started a journey together in 2022 in Supersport with the aim of making him competitive also in the higher class aboard the Panigale V4R. In his rookie year in WorldSBK he impressed everyone, showing his real potential and all his talent as a rider. We are really happy to be able to confirm that he will remain for the next season with Aruba.it Racing but even more so to be able to announce his new role within Ducati Corse. With the imminent entry of the new tire supplier in MotoGP, Nicolò is a great resource for the development and adaptation of the Desmosedici GP to Pirelli. This new role is for him a further incentive to improve and grow as a rider, but also a great demonstration of esteem and trust”.
