It's 99% official: Miguel Oliveira will be turning his back on MotoGP at the end of the season. At just 30 years old, the Portuguese rider is preparing to transition his career to Superbike, with an agreement reached with BMW to replace Toprak Razgatlioglu... who will replace him at Pramac Yamaha. All that's missing is the signing, expected before the next round at MotorLand Aragon.
The irony is cruel: Razgatlioglu replaced Olive tree at Pramac in MotoGP, and Olive tree will probably inherit the M 1000 RR, the Superbike world champion motorcycle.
Subject to signature, he will be the teammate of Danilo Petrucci in 2026, with a contract initially limited to a single season.
The choice ofOlive tree has something to ask. The German firm has only committed its troops to WSBK until the end of 2026, and even internally, the continuity of the project is questionable.
Miguel Oliveira: “ I will soon decide my future »
It will all depend on the capacity of BMW to remain competitive without Toprak. In short: Olive tree could find himself world champion… or without a handlebar, within 18 months.
The Portuguese wanted to stay in the MotoGP paddock, but the market slammed the door in his face. After signing Jack Miller in Pramac, there was no more room. Even a test pilot role eluded him: Aprilia passed his turn, Honda remained silent.
BMW even probed Pol Espargaro, tempted by the Superbike, but the latter will extend its history with KTM as a tester, wildcard and DAZN commentator.
Miguel Oliveira did not have the luxury of choice, but he is offering himself a second career in a championship where he can exploit his experience and take advantage of the best machine of the moment. From Misano, the Portuguese commented: " I'm not angry with Yamaha. I'll decide my future soon.r ». It remains to be seen whether this bet BMW will be a launching pad… or a dead end.
