Oliveira Concedes MotoGP Future After Pramac Exit, Eyes Potential Return

Miguel Oliveira, the Portuguese rider, has acknowledged that his efforts to remain in MotoGP beyond the 2025 season were ultimately insufficient, following the activation of a performance clause in his contract with the Pramac Yamaha satellite team. Oliveira’s departure marks the end of a six-year stint in the premier class, which began in 2019 with Tech3 KTM.

Oliveira’s initial agreement with Pramac was structured as a 1+1 contract, covering the 2025 and 2026 seasons. However, the team’s decision to recruit World Superbike star Toprak Razgatlioglu for the 2026 campaign triggered a contractual clause, leading to Oliveira’s release after just one season.

The uncertainty surrounding Oliveira’s future intensified in June when Pramac publicly announced Razgatlioglu’s arrival. This announcement implied that either Oliveira or his teammate, Jack Miller, would be replaced to accommodate the Turkish rider in 2026. Ultimately, Oliveira was the rider who lost his seat.

Oliveira admitted to being surprised by the decision, particularly given the impact of a shoulder injury sustained during the second race of the season in Argentina. This injury significantly hampered his performance and ability to adapt to the Pramac Yamaha bike.

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"It was a very humbling experience in every term of it because nothing is for granted," Oliveira stated, reflecting on the challenges of balancing injury recovery with the need to secure his MotoGP future. "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] 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. 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. 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]. At the end of the day, I did the best possible to stay and the best was not enough."

Oliveira’s MotoGP career, while concluding prematurely, includes notable achievements. He secured five victories, seven podium finishes, and one pole position, all while riding for KTM. Prior to his MotoGP debut, Oliveira achieved considerable success in the Moto2 and Moto3 classes, finishing as the runner-up in both championships.

Now 30 years old, Oliveira is transitioning to the World Superbike Championship (WSBK), where he will race for BMW. He expressed satisfaction with his grand prix career, highlighting the privilege of winning races in multiple categories. "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 said. "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. So many teams and people that I’ve encountered throughout these years helped me bring out the best of me in terms of riding and helping me technically to to develop myself. Whatever I achieve in the future will also be a result of all those past experiences."

Oliveira is also exploring opportunities to remain connected to MotoGP. He is currently in discussions with Aprilia regarding a potential role as a test rider in 2026. This arrangement is contingent on securing approval from BMW, his primary employer in WSBK.

Despite the setback, 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," Oliveira stated. "The future remains open."

Background and Context

Miguel Oliveira’s MotoGP career began with Tech3 KTM in 2019. He quickly established himself as a competitive rider, securing his first victory at the Styrian Grand Prix in 2020. In 2021, he joined the factory KTM team, achieving his second victory at the Catalan Grand Prix.

In 2022, Oliveira secured two more victories, winning the Indonesian Grand Prix and the Thailand Grand Prix. However, his relationship with KTM deteriorated, leading to his departure from the team at the end of the season.

Oliveira joined the RNF/Trackhouse team in 2023, riding an Aprilia RS-GP. His first season with the team was challenging, marked by several crashes and mechanical issues. He finished the season in 16th place in the championship standings.

In 2024, Oliveira joined the Pramac Yamaha team, riding a Yamaha YZR-M1. His season was again affected by injuries, including the shoulder injury sustained in Argentina. He finished the season without achieving a podium finish.

The Pramac Yamaha team’s decision to replace Oliveira with Toprak Razgatlioglu reflects a broader trend in MotoGP, where teams are increasingly willing to recruit riders from other racing series, such as World Superbikes. Razgatlioglu is considered one of the most talented riders in WSBK, having won the championship in 2021.

Oliveira’s departure from MotoGP also highlights the challenges faced by riders who are not part of a factory team. Satellite teams often have limited resources and technical support, making it difficult for their riders to compete with the factory riders.

Future Prospects

Miguel Oliveira’s move to the World Superbike Championship represents a new chapter in his racing career. WSBK is a highly competitive series, featuring some of the best motorcycle racers in the world. Oliveira will be riding for BMW, a manufacturer with a strong presence in WSBK.

Oliveira’s potential role as a test rider for Aprilia in MotoGP could provide him with an opportunity to stay connected to the premier class and potentially return as a full-time rider in the future. Test riders play an important role in the development of MotoGP bikes, providing feedback to the manufacturers on new parts and settings.

Oliveira’s future in MotoGP remains uncertain, but his talent and experience could make him a valuable asset to any team. He has demonstrated the ability to win races and compete at the highest level. His ability to adapt to different bikes and teams will be critical to his success in the future.