Nicolo Bulega will become a MotoGP rider this weekend as he replaces Marc Marquez at the Portuguese Grand Prix.
At the Portuguese Grand Prix this weekend, Nicolo Bulega will make his debut in the MotoGP World Championship at Portimao.
The Italian rider will replace Marc Marquez in the Ducati Lenovo Team this weekend in Portugal, and next weekend at the season finale in Valencia.
Marquez has been sitting on the sidelines since sustaining injuries on the opening lap of the Indonesian Grand Prix. Michele Pirro replaced Marquez for the Australian and Malaysian Grand Prix, but the Test Rider will not be on track for the final two rounds.
Bulega has completed a test with the Ducati GP25 at Jerez ahead of his MotoGP debut this weekend, and during his half-day of testing, Bulega impressed the bosses at the Italian manufacturer.
Ahead of his official debut at the Portuguese Grand Prix, Bulega has no expectations for his weekend at Portimao and just wants to 'enjoy' his opportunity in MotoGP.
"I'm happy and at the same time a little nervous about this debut. I want to enjoy the moment but also do a good job with the whole Team," Bulega said.
"I have no expectations in terms of results; I want to start gaining confidence with the Desmosedici GP. Let's also consider that we'll be riding on a very unique and demanding track like Portimao."
Bulega will remain in the World Superbike Championship with the Aruba.it Racing - Ducati squad in 2026. The Italian is the title favourite for next season, after finishing runner-up to Toprak Razgatlioglu in 2024 and 2025.
