A rising Italian star is shaking up the racing world — and not everyone agrees on just how far his talent can take him. Two-time MotoGP winner Danilo Petrucci has set off a wave of discussion after calling fellow Ducati rider Nicolo Bulega a true "phenomenon," even comparing him to the electrifying Toprak Razgatlioglu.
This year’s World Superbike Championship came down to a thrilling final showdown between BMW’s Toprak Razgatlioglu and Ducati’s Nicolo Bulega. In a nail-biting finish, Toprak edged out Bulega to claim his third world title — a victory that cements his legacy right before he moves to MotoGP in 2026 with the Pramac Yamaha squad.
But Bulega isn’t fading into the background. Far from it — the 2026 season has him pegged as the top contender for the World Superbike crown. Alongside his championship chase, Bulega also plays a vital role testing Ducati’s MotoGP machinery, a sign of the manufacturer’s deep trust in his technical feedback and potential.
At the tail end of last season, Bulega’s brief but impressive MotoGP debut — filling in for an injured Marc Marquez — earned him two points from two substitute appearances. These results only amplified speculation about his bright future in the premier class. Insiders expect to see his full-time MotoGP debut by 2027, likely within one of Ducati’s official teams, where he will help develop the next-generation 850cc bike equipped with Pirelli tires.
Petrucci, a seasoned racer who’s competed against some of the sport’s greatest names, strongly believes both Razgatlioglu and Bulega have what it takes to win MotoGP races. Speaking with Moto.it, he praised Bulega’s rapid rise and unwavering confidence: “Honestly, Nicolo has been incredibly strong this year. I knew he had talent, but now he’s proven he’s a phenomenon — right there alongside Toprak, who’s already in MotoGP. I think Nicolo will match him soon; within a year, he’ll be there. He deserves it.”
Those words carry weight. Petrucci himself knows what it takes to stand on the top step of a MotoGP podium — he claimed his first victory at the legendary Italian Grand Prix in 2019 and followed it up with another win in wet conditions at the 2020 French Grand Prix. After spending last season riding a customer Ducati in World Superbikes, Petrucci is switching to BMW for 2026, joining forces with five-time MotoGP race winner Miguel Oliveira, who moves over from Pramac Yamaha after losing his seat to Razgatlioglu.
Here’s where it gets interesting — and maybe even divisive. Is Bulega truly on the same level as Toprak already, or is Petrucci’s comparison a bit premature? Toprak’s aggressive, physics-defying riding style has earned him legendary status, while Bulega’s rise has been marked by precision, adaptability, and quiet confidence. Are we witnessing the dawn of MotoGP’s next great rivalry?
Fans are already split: some see Bulega as Ducati’s future superstar, while others believe matching Toprak’s impact is a tall order. What’s your take — is Petrucci’s comparison fair, or does Bulega still have something to prove before being called a “phenomenon on par” with Razgatlioglu?
