Nicolo Bulega Will Skip Monday MotoGP Test
The WorldSBK leader opted out of Monday's testing session at the Red Bull Ring following a recent crash.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Motocycles
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WorldSBK championship leader Nicolo Bulega will not participate in the 850cc Pirelli MotoGP test on Monday, September 21, 2026. Bulega chose to withdraw from the event at the Red Bull Ring to focus on his upcoming title race.
Why it matters
Bulega, who recently suffered a crash while testing a 2027 Ducati prototype at Mugello, aims to minimize injury risks ahead of the critical Cremona WorldSBK round. Unfavorable weather conditions in Austria also influenced the decision to prioritize his championship campaign.
The test features motorcycles with 850cc engines and includes participation from two to three riders per manufacturer. This outing follows a previous official Pirelli test held in Brno in June 2026.
The players
Nicolo Bulega
He is the current leader of the WorldSBK championship standings.
Iker Lecuona
He is a fellow competitor who defeated Bulega in a WorldSBK race at Donington Park this season.
The details
Bulega traveled to Austria but ultimately decided that participating in the testing session posed unnecessary risks to his physical health. He is currently looking toward the Cremona round where he has the potential to clinch the 2026 WorldSBK title.
Timeline
September 19, 2026: News of the absence was published.
September 21, 2026: The scheduled MotoGP test takes place at the Red Bull Ring.
September 25-27, 2026: The Cremona WorldSBK round is set to occur.
Roadmap
The 850cc Pirelli tests represent a critical phase for manufacturers as they refine prototypes for the 2027 season. This development reflects a broader industry shift toward intensified testing regimes as brands look to gain a competitive edge ahead of future technical regulation cycles.
Fans watching the testing session will see a reduced roster of riders on the track at the Red Bull Ring as manufacturers cap participation to three athletes. For those following the title race, the news confirms Bulega is prioritizing his physical readiness for the upcoming Cremona event.
The takeaway
Professional riders often face difficult trade-offs between developmental testing and championship preservation during peak season. Prioritizing health ahead of a potential title-clinching race remains a standard strategic approach for top-tier competitors.
What happens next
Nicolo Bulega is scheduled to compete in the WorldSBK round held in Cremona from September 25-27, 2026, where he could potentially secure the world title.
Further reading
For more on the current circuit updates, see the latest news from the Motocycles section.
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