Franco Morbidelli Replaced: Bulega Signs with Ducati for MotoGP

Franco Morbidelli's crew is set to be taken over by Nicolò Bulega, as the latter signs a two-year deal with Ducati for MotoGP, expiring in 2028.

Nicolò Bulega, the current World Superbike Championship leader, has been in talks with Ducati for a move to MotoGP under the VR46 banner.

The deal, which is set to be finalized in the next few days, will see Bulega take over Franco Morbidelli's crew, with Matteo Flamigni as his new crew chief.

Bulega's priority has always been to make the big leap into the MotoGP paddock, and this deal confirms Ducati's confidence in him, as he is expected to receive full factory support, just like his future teammate Fermin Aldeguer.

The MotoGP transfer market is in its final stages, and Bulega is one of the hottest names on the market, with BMW also sounding out the possibility of signing him, but he chose to join Ducati instead.

On 9 Jul 2026, it was reported that Bulega had secured a two-year deal with Ducati, after initially being offered a 1+1 contract proposal, which he deemed insufficient.

Valentino Rossi and VR46 are ready to welcome Bulega, who will be joining the team as a MotoGP rider, with the signing expected to take place in the next few days, pending the ironing out of some details.

The deal is a significant development in the MotoGP transfer market, and it will be interesting to see how Bulega performs with his new team, and how Franco Morbidelli's crew will be affected by the change.

Bulega's move to MotoGP is a big step for the World Superbike Championship leader, and it will be exciting to see him compete against the best riders in the world, including Franco Morbidelli.

The exact details of the deal are still being finalized, but it is clear that Bulega is set to become a major player in the MotoGP paddock, and his signing with Ducati is a significant coup for the team.

As the MotoGP season heats up, fans will be eagerly awaiting the debut of Nicolò Bulega, and seeing how he will perform with his new team, and how Franco Morbidelli's crew will adapt to the change.

The transfer market is always full of surprises, and this deal is just the latest example of the excitement and unpredictability of MotoGP, with Franco Morbidelli's crew being taken over by a new rider, and a new chapter being written in the history of the sport.