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SBK, Bulega lays his cards on the table with Ducati: renewal on one condition

Nicolò's contract expires at the end of 2025: the priority is to remain with the Rossa, but there is a very specific request to meet, which also involves Bautista

SBK: Bulega lays his cards on the table with Ducati: renewal on one condition

Nicolò Bulega was one of the revelations of the last World Superbike Championship. In his first year as a rookie, the Aruba rider finished in second position, doing even better than his teammate, namely Alvaro Bautista.

In the new year, the number 11 is therefore looking to confirm this state of form, but above all he aims to raise the bar, putting the dream of the world title in his sights.

In addition to the track, however, there is another issue to hold court, namely the renewal of his contract. Nicolò's is in fact going to expire at the end of 2025 and as a result it will be necessary to sit down again at the table to rediscuss the agreement.

Bulega's priority is certainly to continue with Ducati and that we can understand. In fact, the Aruba team is a sort of second family for him, plus in 2026 the long-awaited latest evolution Panigale V4 will arrive. As if that were not enough, Serafino Foti and Stefano Cecconi are the people who relaunched his career after his difficulties in Moto2 and there is a close and established relationship between them.

At the moment there has been an initial discussion between the parties, but on the part of Bulega's entourage there is a very specific condition, which is to bring Nicolò's contract in line with the market value. This is what his manager, namely Alberto Martinelli, told us at the Monza Rally. Translated simply, that means bringing it to the same level as what was offered last summer to Alvaro Bautista.

One thing is certain: after last season, Nicolò's value has grown exponentially, and so Ducati and Aruba will have to put their hands in their wallets. Indeed, Nicolò represents the future of the Rossa and in 2024 he was the only one able to offer a challenge to Toprak in the title race, even doing better than his own teammate.

So we will now have to see if the deal will go through even before the start of the World Championship or not. In fact, in February the team presentation is scheduled, so arriving there with the contract signed would be the icing on the cake. The ball is now in the hands of Aruba and Ducati.

 

Translated by Julian Thomas

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