The Stand-In Sensation: Bulega Shines in Marquez's Shadow
In a thrilling start to the Portuguese Grand Prix weekend, it was Alex Marquez who grabbed the initial spotlight, but the real story unfolded with Nicolo Bulega's remarkable debut on Marc Marquez's Ducati.
Bulega, the World Superbike Championship runner-up, is set to play a crucial role in Ducati's 2026 MotoGP test program, focusing on the Pirelli tyre switch. His performance in the first Portimao practice session was nothing short of impressive, finishing 14th and just 0.928 seconds off Gresini rider Marquez's pace.
What's even more remarkable is that Bulega achieved this feat with minimal MotoGP experience, having only participated in a rain-affected test at Jerez. His composure and speed on the bike left many in awe, especially considering the competition from established MotoGP riders.
Marquez's benchmark time of 1m39.145s kept him at the top, even without fresh tyres at the end of the session. However, the gap was trimmed slightly by riders like Marco Bezzecchi, who used a new soft front tyre to get within 0.196s of Marquez. Pramac Yamaha's Jack Miller and Tech3 KTM's stand-in, Pol Espargaro, also made their mark, finishing third and fifth respectively.
But here's where it gets controversial: Bulega's performance raises questions about the potential of stand-in riders. Could they challenge the established order? And what does this mean for the future of MotoGP?
And this is the part most people miss: Bulega's success highlights the importance of tyre management and adaptability, especially with the upcoming Pirelli switch. It's a skill that could prove crucial in the 2026 season.
Unfortunately, the session wasn't without incident. Raul Fernandez had a dramatic crash at Turn 1, with his Trackhouse Aprilia bouncing back off the air fence, narrowly missing him. Fernandez was checked at the medical centre and later transported to a local hospital for a CT scan.
So, what do you think? Is Bulega's performance a sign of things to come? Will stand-in riders become a more prominent feature in MotoGP? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
