World Superbike runner-up Nicolo Bulega will replace injured MotoGP champion Marc Marquez in the final two rounds of the season in Portugal and Valencia, Ducati said on Friday.

Marquez has brought his season to an early close after suffering a collarbone injury at the Indonesian Grand Prix earlier this month, a week after winning his seventh premier class crown at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Ducati's test rider Michele Pirro had replaced Marquez at the Grands Prix in Australia and Malaysia, but Ducati decided Bulega, who tested their bike in Jerez, will make his premier class debut.

"I'm very happy to be able to end a season like this one with a last-minute surprise. Making the MotoGP debut is the dream of any kid who aspires to become a rider," Bulega said.

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