Nicolo Bulega joins Aruba.it Ducati for 2022 WorldSSP

Former Sky VR46 rider Nicolo Bulega will make the switch from Moto2 to WorldSSP in 2022 as part of Ducati’s return to the intermediate series. 

Ducati, who have completed over 300 races in the Supersport class (323), have not been part of the championship since 2007. 

The team will be run by Aruba.it Ducati, the same outfit that currently resides in WorldSBK with Scott Redding and Michael Rinaldi - two of last weekend’s race winners in Catalunya. 

Bulega’s move sees him come across from the Grand Prix paddock after spending seven seasons between Moto3 and Moto2. 

The Italian will also jump from Kalex machinery which he’s been aboard for the entirety of his three years in Moto2, to a Ducati Panigale V2. 

It’s unconfirmed whether this is to be a one rider team or if another rider announcement will be made, but for Bulega it’s a fresh start after what’s been a disappointing career to date in Grand Prix. 

The still 21 year-old was highly touted as a future MotoGP rider and possible champion during his first couple of seasons in Moto3, however, the progression hasn’t been what was expected, before eventually taking the decision to leave Valentino Rossi’s Sky VR46 academy setup. 

There have certainly been flashes of what Bulega can do this season, but the Italian rider has largely been inconsistent, which has led to just three points scoring finishes in 13 rounds - best of 11th at both Le Mans and Sachsenring.