Nicolo Bulega's manager will be in Portimao to push a contract extension

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Nicolo Bulega's manager is aiming to finalise a contract extension with Ducati sooner rather than later.

The 2026 World Superbike season could see a dramatic shake-up when it comes to the rider market. The current crop of riders in the World Superbike Championship will be searching for new contracts for next season.

The majority of the 'top end' riders such as Toprak Razgatlioglu, Nicolo Bulega, Alvaro Bautista, Jonathan Rea and Danilo Petrucci will all be chasing new contracts.

However, it seems like the first piece of the 2026 rider lineup puzzle will be put into place sooner rather than later. Bulega's manager will be at the Portimao World Superbike round to discuss a contract extension with the Aruba.it Racing - Ducati squad.

The Italian has been with the team since the 2023 World Supersport Championship, and the 2025 season is his second year in Superbikes with the factory Ducati squad.

There have been complications with Bulega's contract negotiations as he is chasing more money. The 2024 World Superbike runner-up wants to be paid the same as his teammate, two-time World Superbike Champion Alvaro Bautista.

Bulega's goal is to stay in red for 2026, and Ducati want to keep him so their rivals cannot get their hands on one of the most sought-after riders. Alberto Martinelli (Bulega's manager) will be in the paddock this weekend to try and finalise a deal for 2026.

The length of Bulega's desired contract is uncertain due to reports that the 25-year-old wants to return to the Grand Prix paddock to race in MotoGP.

However, Bulega would not want to enter the series until 2027, when Pirelli will become the new tyre manufacturer, and new regulations will see 800cc engines inside the Grand Prix machines.

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