Bulega Dominates Ducati Race of Champions at Misano

Posted : 05 July 2026

Nicolo Bulega delivered a dominant performance to win Ducati's 2026 Race of Champions at the Misano World Circuit, beating a star-studded field that included Marc Marquez, Francesco Bagnaia, Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli.

The exhibition race formed part of Ducati's centenary celebrations and featured current MotoGP riders, World Superbike competitors and former champions, all competing on identical Ducati Panigale V4 motorcycles.

Bulega continued the impressive form he has shown throughout the World Superbike season by securing pole position before converting it into a comfortable victory. His commanding display strengthened his growing reputation as a leading candidate for a MotoGP seat in 2027, with ongoing speculation linking him to a possible move to the VR46 Racing Team.

Alessandro Surra finished second, while Lorenzo Baldassarri completed the podium in third. Yamaha Motoxracing rider Yari Montella crossed the line in fourth, with two-time MotoGP world champion Francesco Bagnaia finishing fifth as the highest-placed premier-class rider.

Tommy Bridewell took sixth position ahead of Franco Morbidelli, while Fabio Di Giannantonio finished eighth. Lukas Tulovic and Hafizh Syahrin completed the top 10.

Marc Marquez, who has enjoyed another strong MotoGP campaign this season, finished 12th. The Spaniard, like several other MotoGP regulars, appeared to approach the event cautiously with next weekend's German Grand Prix at Sachsenring taking priority.

The Race of Champions is regarded as a showcase event rather than a competitive championship race, allowing Ducati riders from different categories to compete together in front of the manufacturer's supporters. Despite its exhibition status, Bulega's pace against several of Ducati's factory MotoGP riders is expected to further boost his credentials for a future promotion to the premier class.

Reports have continued to link the Italian with a possible rider market move, including speculation that he could replace Franco Morbidelli as part of a reshuffle involving the VR46 Racing Team.

Ducati's centenary celebrations attracted thousands of fans to Misano, where the manufacturer showcased its racing heritage alongside current and former stars. The event concluded with Bulega adding another memorable victory to an already impressive season before attention shifts back to the MotoGP World Championship at the German Grand Prix.

Bulega Dominates Ducati Race of Champions at Misano

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