Nicolo Bulega confidently asserts that competing in the World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK) equips riders with superior skills for the challenges of MotoGP compared to the Moto2 series. This perspective comes despite the stark distinctions between the production-based superbikes found in WorldSBK and the specialized racing prototypes utilized in the grand prix circuit, marking a fascinating debate among racing enthusiasts.
This weekend, Bulega is set to make his much-anticipated MotoGP debut at the Portimao circuit, stepping in for the injured reigning world champion, Marc Marquez, and riding for the prestigious Ducati team. Having experienced both the Moto2 and WorldSBK landscapes, Bulega brings a unique viewpoint shaped by his own journey through the ranks of motorcycle racing.
After three challenging years in the Moto2 category, where he encountered numerous struggles, Bulega revitalized his career in the World Supersport Championship by clinching the title in 2023. This triumph significantly opened the doorway for him to advance to WorldSBK with Ducati, where he has impressively finished as the runner-up to Toprak Razgatlioglu for the past two seasons.
In a noteworthy shift of the racing landscape, Razgatlioglu is set to transition to MotoGP with Pramac Yamaha in 2026, but before then, Bulega will be making his first appearances at both the Portimao and Valencia events. During a wet test at Jerez, he acknowledged that riding a Desmosedici bike entails a considerable escalation in complexity, with less than 30 laps of experience under his belt.
"There isn’t just one specific element that sets these two classes apart; it’s a combination of many factors— from carbon brakes and ride height devices to the faster engine as well as variations in chassis and tires. When all of these aspects come together, the difference is staggering," Bulega explained during an interview with the official MotoGP website.
Recognizing the stakes at play, he remarked, "This is the pinnacle of motorcycle racing; I know I must invest considerable time studying in the garage over these upcoming weekends to truly grasp the intricacies of this level of competition."
Interestingly, Jack Miller is the sole current MotoGP rider who has not raced in the Moto2 category. However, this dynamic will soon shift when Razgatlioglu transitions from WorldSBK to join Miller at Pramac Yamaha next season.
Bulega emphasized the educational opportunities presented by WorldSBK in comparison to Moto2. "Superbike is immensely beneficial for gaining valuable insights to prepare for MotoGP," he stated unequivocally. "In fact, I believe it serves as a more effective training ground for MotoGP than Moto2 does. This is because superbikes feature far more advanced electronics, allowing riders to start familiarizing themselves with the technology used in MotoGP.
Moreover, the power of the bike in WorldSBK is significantly greater than that of Moto2, putting riders in a position much closer to the experience of controlling a MotoGP machine. You get to learn how to handle a bike that is engineered for similar speeds and weights, especially when it comes to braking dynamics, resembling those experienced in MotoGP.
Hence, I confidently argue that Superbike is a more favorable training platform for MotoGP compared to Moto2.”
When it comes to his personal aspirations for this weekend, the 26-year-old Bulega shared, "I plan to use this weekend primarily to gain experience and enjoy the bike to the fullest." Looking ahead, he will also assume testing responsibilities for Ducati in MotoGP next season while simultaneously competing in WorldSBK, aiding the factory in its preparations for the upcoming 2027 850cc/Pirelli era.
In the backdrop of this racing narrative is Peter, who has spent two decades in the paddock witnessing legends like Valentino Rossi rise and retire. He finds himself at the heart of the discussions surrounding Suzuki's exit from the sport as well as the injury struggles of Marc Marquez.
