Miguel Oliveira isn't one to accept the positions he's been given by default. Sidelined by Pramac Yamaha to make way for Toprak Razgatlioglu—a blow that could have ended his MotoGP ambitions—the Portuguese rider has just rewritten his future with a boldness few would have dared.
From 2026, it will become official BMW Superbike rider, but he would also like to take on a new role: test rider for Aprilia in MotoGPYes, you read that right: one driver, two manufacturers, two major championships. An unprecedented decision that speaks volumes about the changing nature of the paddock.
During the recent Indonesian GP, where he signed a solid 11th place in a fight with the VR46 de Franco Morbidelli et Fabio Di Giannantonio, Oliveira revealed on this perspective: “ it's an option for meMy priority is clearly to race in Superbike, but we need to assess how to balance the two commitments in terms of timing »
The message is clear: he refuses to disappear from the MotoGP scene. And his plan is clever. With a MotoGP field struggling to renew itself and a WorldSBK in search of media stars, Olive tree positions itself as the missing link between two worlds.
Massimo rivola, boss ofAprilia Racing, was quick to publicly validate the idea:
« This year, Savadori took on a dual role, replacing Martin while also handling testing—a demanding task. If there is a chance to work with Miguel, we would definitely take it. »
The message is clear: Aprilia wants a real development driver, not just a stopgap. Olive tree is not there to ride three days a year; he wants real technical weight in the future choices of the RS-GP.
Miguel Oliveira: From ousted pilot to visionary strategist?
The decision ofOlive tree to join BMW in WorldSBK is not insignificant. The German manufacturer, which has been stagnating for several seasons, wants a strong face to give credibility to its project. And the arrival of an experienced MotoGP rider can be a springboard.
He himself recognizes it: “ It's not for me to say, but BMW's intentions in motorsport seem clear. Entering MotoGP requires a colossal commitment, and I'm not sure they'll go that far with their marketing department.. »
Less than BMW look at him MotoGP, even if nothing is official. Olive tree could be their first stone, their perfect spy in the red and black paddock.
Olive tree wants to bounce back with an ambitious career plan. BMW et Aprilia would share a fast, technical and respected driver.
For WorldSBK, Olive tree brings enormous credibility to BMW and could attract new sponsors, or even push other MotoGP riders to take the plunge. For MotoGP, Aprilia gives itself a technical advantage with a rider still at full speed and capable of providing relevant feedback.
The paddock is already buzzing: what if this double adventure ofOlive tree was just the beginning of a new era where top drivers would refuse to be boxed in by manufacturers?
Miguel Oliveira proves that a pilot can turn a layoff into a strategic opportunity. It offers a spotlight to BMW and could transform Aprilia in a high-level laboratory. A brilliant and subversive unfolding, which redefines what a modern pilot career can be.
And if, ironically, the man that Yamaha discarded became the key piece to progress Aprilia…and perhaps make the good days of BMW in WSBK?
