Although Ducati’s return to WorldSSP has brought with it lofty expectations, Nicolo Bulega a🐻nticipates a ‘tough’ rookie season despite impressive pace during testing. 

After spending seven seasons in the Grand Prix paddock - the last thrꦓee in Moto2 - Bulega is making a similar switch to that of former Moto2 rider and 2021 Supersport world champion Domi🌟nique Aegerter. 

However, unlike the Swiss rider who joined perennial title challengers Yamaha (Ten Kate Team), B🃏ulega is switching to Ducati with the Italian manufacturer's newly homologated Panigale V2 machine. 

Ducati’s returnꦿ to WorldSSP racing means it will compete in the intermedi🔯ate class for the first time since 2007. 

Speaking at the Aruba.it Racing ꧂Ducati team launch, Bulega added: "I'm very motivated for this new adventure. It's a great opportunity for me and I feel I have all theꦏ requirements to do well. 

"The tests have been very positive, I felt comfortable both with the ꦜPanigale V2 and with the team, which is very important to me. 

"It's 🅷going to b♓e a tough season for sure and for this reason we need to put our heads together and try to get the most out of every single race."

While so much was expected of Bulega in the Grand Prix paddock, the former VR46 academy rider failed to ꧟showcase his true potential, which is also a statement that can be made about Lorenzo Baldassarri. 

Even though Baldassarri had much more success during his time in Moto2 - claimed four wins as opposed to Bulega’s zero - the new Evan Bros. Yam🔯aha man was touted as a potential MotoGP rider before two extremely disappointing seasons in 2020 and 2021. 

Nevertheless, the change of machinery and category has given Baldassarri a fresh꧅ mindset, one where matching Andrea Locatelli and Aegerter as rookie champions is his aim. 

Baldassarri told WorldSBK.com: "I think I will g𝔉o with the championship as the main focus, 100%. I know how strong I am. 

"Also, la🗹st year was very tough for me, but no🔯w I’m recharging my battery. The battery is at 100% and I’m ready to fight for the important positions. 

"I 𒀰think I will do great with the team because they are supporting me very well. I’m training up. I wi𒐪ll be ready to fight to win. 

"The main target is to be fast at the beginning, fighting for the lead, I shou🐽ld be the fastest from Yamaha. Domi was very fast last year, and did grea♛t. 

"That’s the important thing. We will see how the new rule🐻s and how the Championship is goin🔯g."