Oliveira Accepts MotoGP Exit, Cites Injury and Performance Clause

Miguel Oliveira has conceded that his efforts to remain in MotoGP were insufficient, as he prepares to depart the premier motorcycle racing class after six seasons. The Portuguese rider, who concluded his final race at the Valencia Grand Prix, reflected on a challenging year marked by injury and the activation of a performance clause in his contract with the Pramac Yamaha satellite team.

Oliveira’s MotoGP journey began in 2019 with Tech3 KTM, where he quickly established himself as a competitive force. Over the course of his career, Oliveira secured five victories, seven podium finishes, and one pole position, all achieved while riding for KTM-affiliated teams. His notable wins include the Styrian Grand Prix in 2020, a wet-weather masterclass in Indonesia in 2022, and the Thai Grand Prix in the same year, demonstrating his versatility and skill in varying conditions.

Prior to his ascent to MotoGP, Oliveira enjoyed considerable success in the intermediate and junior classes. He finished as the runner-up in both Moto2 and Moto3, showcasing his talent and potential from a young age. In 2015, he narrowly missed out on the Moto3 title, losing to Danny Kent by a mere six points after a season-long battle. This near-miss fueled his determination and set the stage for his eventual promotion to MotoGP.

Oliveira’s 2025-2026 contract with Pramac Yamaha initially appeared to offer stability, but the team’s decision to invoke a performance clause after just one season caught the rider by surprise. This decision was influenced by the signing of World Superbike star Toprak Razgatlioglu, who will join Pramac in 2026. Razgatlioglu’s arrival necessitated the departure of either Oliveira or his teammate, Jack Miller. Ultimately, it was Oliveira who was released, marking a significant turning point in his career.

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The timing of Pramac’s decision was particularly challenging for Oliveira, as he was still recovering from a shoulder injury sustained at the second round of the season in Argentina. This injury severely hampered his performance and limited his ability to adapt to the Yamaha machine. In his own words, Oliveira described the experience as "humbling," emphasizing the precarious nature of professional racing.

"It was a very humbling experience in every term of it because nothing is for granted," Oliveira stated. "I came in with the prospects of a long-term partnership knowing that I would need some time, and also the bike needs some time."

The recovery process from his shoulder injury proved to be more protracted than initially anticipated, further disrupting Oliveira’s season. "It caught me off guard because it took longer than we anticipated. It was not a quick fix injury that you can return a couple of weeks later," he explained. "That delayed my getting to know the bike, fitting in and taking it to the limit [phase], and the decisions forced me to to be without the seat."

Despite the setback, Oliveira maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing that he gave his best effort under difficult circumstances. "But I don’t think I should look at it with resentment or any kind of regret, because I know that I gave my best and that’s the feeling I need to end [with]," he said. "At the end of the day, I did the best possible to stay and the best was not enough."

As he prepares to transition to the World Superbike Championship with BMW, Oliveira can reflect on a grand prix career marked by significant achievements. "Not many riders have the privilege to say that they’ve won in different categories, and I’ve been privileged to have done that," he noted. He also expressed gratitude to the teams and individuals who supported him throughout his career. "I’ve been in good teams, teams that helped me take my best potential, especially in Moto3, Moto2. I am in debt to KTM because they helped me so much throughout my career," he added.

Looking ahead, Oliveira is already exploring opportunities to remain involved in MotoGP. He is in discussions with Aprilia about a potential test rider role in 2026, contingent on securing approval from BMW. This role would allow him to stay connected to the MotoGP paddock and contribute to the development of Aprilia’s racing machines.

Oliveira remains open to the possibility of returning to MotoGP as a full-time rider in the future. "I definitely don’t close the door on returning here as a full rider on the grid, but for the moment opportunity is not there for me here, so what I need to do is to focus on what I actually can do for next season," he stated. "The future remains open."

His departure from MotoGP marks the end of an era, but Oliveira’s determination and ambition suggest that he may not be absent from the premier class for long. His move to World Superbikes with BMW presents a new challenge and an opportunity to showcase his talent on a different stage. The coming season will be crucial in shaping the next chapter of his career.

MotoGP Silly Season Background

Oliveira’s exit is emblematic of the intense competition and high stakes within MotoGP. The "silly season," as the period of rider contract negotiations is often called, is a time of significant uncertainty and movement within the paddock. Teams are constantly evaluating their rider lineups, seeking to optimize performance and secure the best possible talent.

The decision by Pramac Yamaha to sign Toprak Razgatlioglu underscores the growing interest in riders from other racing disciplines. Razgatlioglu, a former World Superbike Champion, is highly regarded for his aggressive riding style and race-winning ability. His move to MotoGP is expected to generate significant interest and potentially shake up the established order.

The performance clause in Oliveira’s contract highlights the pressure that riders face to deliver results. In a sport where milliseconds can separate victory from defeat, consistency and performance are paramount. Riders who fail to meet expectations can quickly find themselves on the sidelines, as teams prioritize those who can consistently challenge for podiums and race wins.

The injury sustained by Oliveira in Argentina further compounded his challenges. MotoGP is a physically demanding sport, and injuries can have a significant impact on a rider’s performance. The recovery process can be lengthy and arduous, and riders often struggle to regain their form after a setback.

Oliveira’s experience serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of MotoGP and the challenges that riders face in their pursuit of success. Despite the disappointment of his departure, he can take pride in his achievements and look forward to the next chapter of his racing career.