The Catalan Grand Prix left a bitter taste in the mouth of Miguel Oliveira. The Portuguese rider had just achieved his best result of the season—a ninth place, second on Yamaha behind Fabio Quartararo—at the very moment his future in MotoGP was crumbling.
Because the news has broken: Jack Miller will occupy the last Pramac seat for 2026, replacingOlive treeThe Portuguese rider thus finds himself without a handlebar for the first time since his debut in the premier class seven years ago.
To understand this choice, we must look at the profile of the two pilots. MillerWith its 11 seasons of experience, rode for Honda, Ducati et KTM. A valuable versatility for Yamaha when introducing its long-awaited V4 engine. " With 11 seasons of experience under his belt, Miller brings a lot of knowledge to Pramac, which can be used to help develop Yamaha's new V4 ", they explain in the paddock.
Olive tree, he only has seven seasons and four fewer campaigns under his belt. His technical background is considered more limited. Result: " Miller has the chance to prove he deserves to remain on the grid until the new regulations come into force in 2027, while Oliveira must now seek an unlikely path back. ", sums up one observer.
Yamaha criticized for a "low blow" against Miguel Oliveira who could replace Jonathan Rea on the R1
This announcement sent shockwaves through fans. Many denounced it as a "low blow" by Yamaha and find it hard to believe thatOlive tree, despite his fighting spirit and spectacular style, was dismissed so abruptly. On social media, many people pointed out that he had just returned from a devastating injury that had forced him to miss four races.
But the story may not be over yet. Commentator Gavin Emmett dropped a bombshell on TNT Sports in Catalonia: " I also heard that Yamaha is still trying to keep him, perhaps as a World Superbike rider to replace Johnny Rea, who is retiring.. »
A credible scenario: Yamaha prepares a big turn with his V4, and see Olive tree Relaunching himself in WorldSBK could be a way to retain his experience while keeping him away from MotoGP.
At 30 years, Olive tree seems doomed to leave the MotoGP grid, barring a turnaround. A move to Superbike would offer him a new opportunity, but would almost definitively close the door on MotoGP.
For now, its ninth rank in Catalonia looks like a last stand. A reminder that he remains a driver capable of shining... even if his future in blue may be played out far from the spotlight of the MotoGP.
