Ducati will need to 'splash the cash' to retain their new superstar
Yesterday at 04:37 AM
Nicolo Bulega reportedly wants more money to remain in red for the 2026 World Superbike season.
In 2024 Ducati decided to promote their World Supersport Champion, Nicolo Bulega into World Superbikes. There were minimal expectations surrounding the rookie last season, but he arrived at the front sooner than expected.
Bulega won his first Superbike race in 2024 and went on to win five more races in his debut season. The Italian also ended the season second in the Championship, ahead of his superstar teammate, Alvaro Bautista.
The 2025 season will be Bulega's second year in the class and the final year of his contract with Ducati. Reports suggest that the Italian rider and the Italian manufacturer want to continue working together in 2026, which makes this deal seem simple for Ducati. However, there is a curve ball when it comes to putting pen to paper for the future.
After an impressive rookie season and battling for the title, Bulega wants to get paid his worth. As a rookie, his contract value was lower than his competitors, but he wants his value to match the top Superbike riders, such as his teammate Bautista.
In 2026 Ducati will use its latest evolution of the Ducati Panigale V4, which looks like it will be even better than its current model. The Italian manufacturer will not have taken losing the 2024 World Superbike Championship to BMW lightly.
With Bautista's future in World Superbikes undecided it looks like Bulega will be locked into a long-term contract by Ducati. But his future teammate for 2026 will be a hotly discussed subject throughout the 2025 season.
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