Nicolo Bulega will replace Marc Marquez in the factory Ducati squad for the Portuguese and Valencia Grand Prix.
It has been confirmed by Ducati Corse that Nicolo Bulega will make his MotoGP debut at the Portuguese Grand Prix next week with the Ducati Lenovo Team.
The Italian rider has been given the opportunity to feature in the factory Ducati MotoGP squad after Marc Marquez's season ended prematurely due to injuries he sustained at the Indonesian Grand Prix.
Bulega will not only compete on the Ducati GP25 at the Portuguese Grand Prix, but will also be on track with the team at the 2025 MotoGP season finale at the Valencia Grand Prix.
"I'm very happy to be able to end a season like this one with a last-minute surprise," Bulega said.
"Making the MotoGP debut is the dream of any kid who aspires to become a rider. Plus, being able to ride the World Champion bike for the final two races of the 2025 makes everything even more exciting. It'll be a big gamble; I have no expectations.
"I'll take this experience calmly, especially because, so far, I've only been able to test the Desmosedici GP at Jerez. That said, I'm certainly motivated to do well and give my all.
"Thanks to Ducati and Ducati Corse for their trust, to Claudio, Gigi, Mauro, Davide, Stefano, and Serafino for making me feel their full support and to Team Aruba.it Racing, with whom we finished a season as protagonists."
The 26-year-old is already a part of the Ducati family as he rides for the Aruba.it Racing - Ducati squad in the World Superbike Championship. He had a successful 2025 season in World Superbikes as he ended the year second in the standings.
After being announced as a Ducati MotoGP Test rider for the 2026 season, Bulega was able to complete his first laps on the Ducati at a private Test at Jerez on Thursday, the 30th of October, the day before his MotoGP debut was announced.
