Bulega becomes world champion before arriving in MotoGP

Nicolò Bulega will join VR46 in 2027 with another world title on his record. The Italian became 2026 WorldSBK champion on Sunday at Cremona by finishing second in the final race of the weekend.

His path makes the title especially notable before his return to the Grand Prix paddock. After difficult spells in Moto3 and Moto2, Bulega rebuilt his career in Supersport and then Superbike: WorldSSP champion in 2023, WorldSBK runner-up in 2024 and 2025, and now champion this year.

He will join VR46 alongside Fermín Aldeguer for MotoGP’s new 850cc era. And unlike a typical rookie, he will arrive having already completed around ten days of running on Ducati’s 2027 prototype — the advantage that was already the subject of debate in yesterday’s edition.