WSBK Star to Replace Marquez | Portugal & Valencia MotoGP 2024

Ducati Turns to WSBK Star Nicolo Bulega to Replace Injured Marquez in MotoGP 2025

Ducati has announced a dynamic rider change for the final two races of the 2025 MotoGP season, selecting Nicolo Bulega, a prominent figure in the World Superbike Championship (WSBK), to fill the seat left vacant by Marc Marquez‘s injury. The move comes after Marquez concluded his season prematurely following a collarbone fracture sustained in Mandalika.

Did you know? – Marc Marquez’s injury occured during the Indonesian Grand Prix at the Mandalika International Street Circuit. The crash ended his 2024 season prematurely, creating an immediate need for a replacement rider.

Why Did This Happen?

The rider change stems directly from a collarbone fracture sustained by Marc Marquez during the Indonesian Grand Prix in Mandalika. This injury forced Marquez to sit out the remainder of the 2024 season, leaving Ducati needing a competitive replacement for the Australian and Malaysian Grand Prix. Initial attempts to fill the seat with experienced test rider Michelle Pirro proved unsuccessful, as Pirro failed to score points in either race.

Who is nicolo Bulega?

Nicolo Bulega is a 26-year-old Italian motorcycle racer currently competing in the World Superbike Championship (WSBK).He has been a part of the Ducati family since 2022, initially riding a Supersport motorbike. Bulega has excelled in WSBK, finishing as the runner-up in the championship for two consecutive seasons (2023 & 2024) to Toprak Razgatlioglu. Before WSBK, he raced in Moto3 and Moto2 from 2015-2021, building a strong foundation for a potential MotoGP career.

Pro tip: – WSBK and MotoGP bikes differ significantly. WSBK bikes are more production-based, while MotoGP machines are prototypes designed for ultimate performance. Adapting to the motogp bike will be Bulega’s biggest challenge.

What Will Bulega Do?

Bulega will replace Marc Marquez for the final two races of the 2025 MotoGP season, piloting the Ducati Desmosedici GP alongside reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia. He underwent a private test session with Ducati in Jerez to familiarize himself with the MotoGP machine. Ducati officials expressed confidence in Bulega, citing his past performance and existing relationship with the team as key factors in their decision.

How Did This Come About?

Following Marquez’s injury, Ducati initially relied on test rider Michelle Pirro, but his lack of competitive results prompted a search for a more capable replacement. ducati then invited Bulega for a test at Jerez,where he impressed the team with his adaptability and speed.This successful test led to the decision to promote Bulega to a full-time MotoGP role for the final two races, offering him a chance to prove his potential in the premier class.

reader question: – Do you think a rider coming directly from WSBK can be competitive in MotoGP, or is the learning curve too steep? What adjustments will Bulega need to make?

A Dream Realized in Portimao

Bulega is scheduled to make his MotoGP debut at the Portimao circuit next week. He expressed his excitement,calling it a childhood dream. While acknowledging the challenge and lack of extensive testing, Bulega remains motivated to perform well and gain valuable experiance on the Desmosedici GP. He stated he has no expectations, and will take the experience in stride.