Ducati's Potential MotoGP Debut for Nicolo Bulega: Replacing Marc Marquez at Portimao (2025)

Imagine a MotoGP powerhouse like Ducati sidelining their eight-time world champion mid-season—it's the kind of drama that keeps fans on the edge of their seats! But here's where it gets controversial: What if they replace him with a rising star from Superbikes? Let's dive into the buzz surrounding Nicolo Bulega's potential leap to the premier class at Portimao, and unpack why this move could redefine racing strategies—or spark outrage among purists.

With Marc Marquez, the legendary rider known for his aggressive style and record-breaking wins, facing an uncertain comeback for the Portuguese Grand Prix in just three weeks, Ducati is reportedly mulling over a bold alternative. They're eyeing their own World Superbike Championship (WSBK) talent, Nicolo Bulega, to step into the MotoGP spotlight. For those new to the sport, WSBK is the top tier of motorcycle road racing just below MotoGP, often acting as a launchpad for big-time talent, much like how a minor league player might get called up to the majors in baseball.

Bulega inked a two-year deal with Ducati back in May, positioning him as both a WSBK competitor and a MotoGP test rider. This role gives him invaluable experience with Pirelli tires, which are set to hit MotoGP circuits starting in 2027. It's a smart setup, as testing tires helps bridge the gap between bike categories, ensuring riders like Bulega aren't blindsided by the higher speeds and demands of MotoGP machines—think of it as prepping a sprinter for a marathon by gradually increasing their training intensity.

As the WSBK season wraps up this weekend at Jerez, with indications that the title might slip to Bulega's competitor Toprak Razgatlioglu, Bulega finds himself free from major commitments heading into November. This timing opens the door for Ducati to potentially slot him in for a MotoGP debut. And this is the part most people miss: The MotoGP medical expert, Angel Charte, has bluntly stated that Marquez's return in Portugal would be "very difficult," fueling speculation that Bulega could be Ducati's plan B.

In a chat with DAZN, Ducati team's manager Davide Tardozzi confirmed on Friday that the nine-time champion is almost surely out for Portimao. He expressed hope that Marquez could make it back for the season finale in Valencia, but only after a thorough medical evaluation. "If he can't, that's acceptable," Tardozzi noted, hinting that Ducati is prepared for Marquez to sit out until the February 2026 tests at Sepang. This flexibility raises eyebrows—is Ducati prioritizing team success over a star's rushed return, or is this a sign of deeper issues with Marquez's fitness? Fans are divided, with some praising the pragmatic approach and others arguing it undermines a rider's grit.

Regarding the whispers of Bulega taking Marquez's spot at Portimao, Tardozzi acknowledged it's a real possibility. "Nicolo is fully focused on clinching the SBK title in Jerez right now; we don't want to distract him," he said. Once the weekend's over, they'll assess his MotoGP bow. Tardozzi dodged questions on arranging a test session beforehand, noting it's not mandatory but could be beneficial. "We'll review it post-Jerez," he added, leaving room for on-the-spot decisions that could either make or break Bulega's big moment.

To recap the injury saga: Marquez suffered a right shoulder fracture after a clash with Aprilia's Marco Bezzecchi on the first lap of the Indonesian Grand Prix. He returned to Spain for surgery on the damaged shoulder, and Ducati has officially confirmed his absence from the upcoming Australia-Malaysia races to allow proper healing. As for replacements, test rider Michele Pirro is lined up for this weekend's Australian Grand Prix and likely the Malaysian event on October 25-26.

Here are some highlights from the Australian GP practice sessions, captured in photos:

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What do you think, racing enthusiasts? Is rushing a WSBK rider into MotoGP a genius strategy to keep Ducati competitive, or does it undermine the sport's tradition of gradual progression? Do you believe Marquez should push through the pain for his fans, or is caution the smarter play? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let's debate!

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