Nico Bulega is preparing for his MotoGP debut at Portimao weekend, and he says he feels both happy and a little nervous. Bulega, who finished second in the World Superbike Championship this year, has been given the chance to ride for the factory Ducati team while Marc Márquez recovers from injury. Although Bulega will continue racing in WorldSBK in 2026, he will also work as a MotoGP test rider for Ducati, and many people believe he could become a full-time MotoGP rider in 2027 when the championship introduces Pirelli tyres.

Bulega has already tried the Ducati GP25 MotoGP bike for the first time during a private test at Jerez last week. He explained that his main goal is not to chase results straight away but simply to learn and build confidence with the much more powerful machine. He said he wants to enjoy the experience, work well with the team, and take things step by step. He also pointed out that Portimao is a very difficult track, with big hills and blind corners, which makes his debut more challenging.

Bulega has good memories of Portimao from his past racing, though. He won a race there in 2023 when he became Supersport World Champion and this year he finished second in both WorldSBK races at the same circuit. The experience could help him feel more comfortable as he begins this new chapter.

While Bulega prepares for his first MotoGP race, newly crowned three-time WorldSBK champion Toprak Razgatlioglu is also taking steps towards his own MotoGP future. Both riders are entering important new moments in their careers and many fans will be watching closely to see how Bulega handles the jump to MotoGP speed and competition. The weekend marks a meaningful point for both riders, for Ducati and for the continuing link between WorldSBK and MotoGP.