Nicolò Bulega ’s future is the talk of the Superbike paddock at Most. Although the Aruba rider is dominating the scene, there is already talk of his plans for 2027.
With Di Giannantonio’s move to KTM, there could be a great opportunity for him, and the Ducati rider is confident.
In his mind, however, the priority is to stay focused on the World Championship, without letting anything else distract him.
“We’re going through a really positive phase,” he said. “I absolutely love riding this bike; I feel like I’ve got everything under control. I need to keep it up and try to improve every time I get on the track.”
Last week you did a MotoGP test at Mugello. What can you tell us?
“It was short but intense. I only did 25 laps, so not many, partly because I drove my car from Balaton to Mugello—about 900 kilometers. The next day I was already on the track with the MotoGP bike, so I was a bit tired. But it was still positive because I got to test the 850. It was very exciting: it had been three years since I’d been back to Mugello, so it was great to return there on a MotoGP bike.”
Speaking of MotoGP, everyone is wondering what your future will be?
“I have a good feeling about it. We’re still talking with my manager about a few things, but I’m optimistic, so we’ll see.”
In the past, you’ve said you’d like to move to MotoGP, but would you be happy staying in Superbike as well?
“Yes. As I’ve already said, MotoGP is a dream, because when you’re a kid and you start racing, you watch MotoGP on TV and see it as the highest possible level. But Superbike is giving me so much, and I’m very happy to be here. And if I were to stay here, I’d still be very happy.”
Have you reached the limit, or is everything coming more easily than it seems?
“Right now, the limit is getting 100% out of this Panigale, because compared to last year, we knew what the potential was and where we needed to make changes, whereas now the bike is new and every time we get on the track, everything is a bit more complicated. We have to find different solutions than last year, but we’re still improving all the time.”
Were you surprised by Di Giannantonio’s decision to move to KTM?
“I don’t know exactly what was offered to him on either side. Certainly, if he had stayed with VR46, he could have built on his results and maybe been at the top. Maybe he’ll be able to do that in the future too, but when you make a change, it’s never a sure thing: you know what you’re leaving behind, but you don’t know what you’ll find.”
Is this the right time for you to make the move?
“Definitely yes, because the regulations are changing and there are many favorable conditions for my move to happen now. But, I repeat, if it happens, I’ll be thrilled, because it’s been my dream since I was a kid. But if it doesn’t happen, staying here in Superbike, where I’m a winning rider right now, would still make me very happy.”
There’s also been talk about Lecuona’s comments on the “Dura la Vida” podcast: have you had a chance to speak with him?
“No, I have nothing to say. I saw what he said on the podcast, but I have nothing to add. I prefer to let my results speak for themselves.”