- Razgatlioglu names Bulega as a future MotoGP frontrunner, citing his Ducati background.
- Bulega’s Misano test on the 2027 prototype left Ducati engineers stunned.
- Andrea Iannone resurfaces at Mugello, and Razgatlioglu has thoughts on his future.
Toprak Razgatlioglu says Nicolo Bulega has what it takes to compete in MotoGP, and believes the Italian would deliver standout results if Ducati hands him a place in the premier class.
The BMW WorldSBK champion spoke at Mugello during the Italian Grand Prix weekend, where he told Crash.net that Bulega’s riding style fits MotoGP and that a move with Ducati would be his best shot at success.
Razgatlioglu himself made the jump to MotoGP with Pramac Yamaha in 2026, after two seasons of direct championship battles against Bulega.
A rival’s endorsement, and why it matters
Razgatlioglu won back-to-back WorldSBK titles in 2024 and 2025, with Bulega his closest rival across both campaigns. That history gives his words significant weight that no other rider can match.
“I think Bulega deserves to be in MotoGP, because he’s a really fast rider,” Razgatlioglu told Crash.net. “Also, he’s riding the Ducati, so I think it’s a good opportunity if Ducati brings him to MotoGP.”
“He’s still young. 26. I think his riding style is like MotoGP. If Ducati bring him here, I think he can do very special results, especially with the Ducati.”
The comment about riding style carries meaning. Razgatlioglu is currently navigating the same transition from WorldSBK to MotoGP machinery.
His endorsement points to a specific quality he recognises in Bulega, namely the kind of instinctive aggression and corner speed that carries over to the prototype class.
Bulega’s case: unstoppable in WorldSBK, tested in MotoGP
Bulega turned 26 this year and has built a strong case for promotion. He made stand-in MotoGP appearances for Marc Marquez at the end of 2025, and then won 22 consecutive WorldSBK races to set a new record. He remained unbeaten across the first 15 races of the 2026 WorldSBK season.
His private testing work has also drawn attention inside Ducati. On the manufacturer’s 2027 850cc prototype at Misano, Bulega lapped within two seconds of Francesco Bagnaia’s lap record.
He was consistently between one and two seconds faster than test riders from KTM, Yamaha and Aprilia, all of whom were on comparable machinery. Reports indicate the performance astonished those at Borgo Panigale.
Razgatlioglu pointed to that Ducati connection as a key part of his confidence in Bulega. “He deserves it because he’s really strong in Superbike, so he needs to come also to MotoGP,” he said.
“I hope Ducati keep him and brings him to MotoGP. If not Ducati, I think he’ll look at a different team. But it’s better with Ducati, because he’s grown up with Ducati.”
The seat situation and Bulega’s MotoGP future
The route to MotoGP has some shape to it, though no confirmed destination yet. Fabio Di Giannantonio’s reported move to the factory KTM team has created a vacancy at the VR46 Ducati squad, which needs a second rider alongside Fermin Aldeguer.
A Ducati source has been quoted saying that if Di Giannantonio leaves, “our main option to replace him is Nicolo.”
Bulega has not confirmed the VR46 link. Asked whether he liked the team’s yellow livery, he replied: “Any colour is fine.”
He has previously said he wants to remain with Ducati, which fits with reports that the manufacturer intends to keep him in their structure wherever he rides.
There is a personal angle to the potential VR46 connection as well. Bulega came through the VR46 Academy but left after a difficult rookie Moto2 season in 2019.
A return to Valentino Rossi’s outfit now would arrive with multiple titles behind him in WorldSSP and WorldSBK, making it very much a story of redemption.
Razgatlioglu On Iannone: “Still a bit crazy!”
Razgatlioglu was also asked about Andrea Iannone, who returned to the MotoGP paddock at Mugello for the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup and won on his competitive comeback.
“I’m happy for him, because Bagger is incredible, he’s riding very well and did the fastest lap on the last lap,” Razgatlioglu said. “I’m a fan of the Baggers! I really enjoy watching the Baggers.”
His assessment of Iannone’s broader ability was warm, if candid. “Still, he’s a fast rider, a clever rider… still a bit crazy!” he said.
“If he finds a seat in Superbike, in my opinion, he’s a top-five rider always. I’ve raced with him. This year he’s not riding, but still he’s fast, and I hope he finds some opportunity in Superbike.”
Whether Iannone finds that opportunity or not, Razgatlioglu’s words at Mugello painted a picture of a man comfortable passing judgment on talent.
He has raced against both riders at close quarters, and he rates them both highly. For Bulega, that verdict may matter more. A MotoGP seat is still not confirmed, but having one of the sport’s best-known champions speak for you from the Mugello paddock is not a bad place to start.
