Bulega was absent from the MotoGP test: what the Ducati engineers told him

How fast will MotoGP be from 2027 onwards? The most recent test at the Red Bull Ring two weeks ago provided the first indications that the new 850cc prototypes are already reaching high speeds, despite their reduced engine capacity, banned devices and limited aerodynamic options. However, the lap times currently circulating have not been officially confirmed.

Nicolo Bulega, too, makes his assessment explicitly contingent on their accuracy. The Ducati rider had decided not to take part in the test at Spielberg. He had previously crashed during a private test with the new Ducati at Mugello. With the upcoming Superbike weekend in Cremona in mind – where he was able to secure the world championship title ahead of schedule – he wanted to prioritise his recovery.

Bulega enquired about the test at Ducati

Nevertheless, he couldn’t quite let go of the development of the new MotoGP generation. Although he didn’t follow the test directly on site, he subsequently enquired with Ducati about their impressions. “I didn’t follow it directly, but on the evening after the test I rang a few people at Ducati and asked about things I wanted to know,” Bulega revealed.

Weltmeister Marc Marquez testete in Spielberg die 850er-Ducati

Foto: David Ulrich

The feedback was positive, even if it seems that not everyone involved was focused on clocking up as many laps as possible or setting a fast time. “They were pretty satisfied. Some didn’t ride much, but just tried out how the tyres and a few other things felt. But overall, they were satisfied.”

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Honda, Ducati and Aprilia fast in the 850cc test

The unofficial lap times were particularly interesting. If they’re accurate, the new bikes are already, at this early stage of development, surprisingly close to the current 1000s over a flying lap. “To be honest: if the lap times are accurate – because we don’t have any official times – I thought they were fast. Moreira was, I think, six or seven tenths of a second slower than in qualifying. That’s already fast,” remarked Bulega in amazement.

This comparison does not yet provide a reliable indication of the balance of power between the manufacturers or performance over a race distance. In addition to an official timesheet, precise details of the respective test conditions are also lacking. As a first impression, however, Bulega finds the pace remarkable.

Nicolo Bulega kann die 850er mit der 1000er vergleichen

Foto: Gold & Goose

The Italian is already familiar with the new Ducati from his own test sessions. From his point of view, whilst the rule changes mean quite a few things are different, the fundamental riding experience remains familiar. “Generally speaking, next year’s MotoGP bike is different, but also similar. By that I mean that the chassis and the way you ride are very similar. The biggest differences are the tyres and the engine. The engine is a bit weaker, but it’s still a MotoGP bike. So it’s not that slow after all.”

Alongside the reduction in engine capacity from 1,000 to 850 cc, the switch from Michelin to Pirelli is one of the key changes for 2027. Thanks to his years in the Supersport and Superbike World Championships, Bulega brings a wealth of experience with the Italian tyre manufacturer and is supporting Ducati in its development work.

Senna Agius

Foto: David Ulrich

Marc Marquez

Foto: David Ulrich

Marco Bezzecchi

Foto: David Ulrich

Fermin Aldeguer

Foto: David Ulrich

Diogo Moreira

Foto: David Ulrich

Senna Agius

© David Ulrich