The Uncertain Future of Miguel Oliveira: He Might Miss Next Season as Enea Bastianini Moves Closer to a Deal with Pramac Yamaha

Italian MotoGP star Enea Bastianini has reportedly opened negotiations with Pramac Yamaha for the 2026 season, setting the stage for a potentially game-changing move. Though currently under contract with KTM through the end of 2026, Bastianini is said to be actively pursuing an early release—a clear signal of his desire to align with a project that offers greater long-term stability and factory-level support.

With KTM facing deep financial issues and Pramac shifting to Yamaha machinery in 2025, this developing situation could dramatically alter the future of the MotoGP grid.

Bastianini Targets Factory Yamaha Equipment with Pramac

The Pramac-Yamaha partnership, set to begin in 2025, has opened doors for high-caliber riders looking to link with factory-spec bikes outside the main Yamaha team. Bastianini, currently one of the paddock’s most promising riders, sees this as a golden opportunity.

By 2026, if he joins Pramac Yamaha, Bastianini would be racing with factory-level Yamaha machines, enabling him to compete at the highest level without being part of the core Yamaha Factory Racing team. It’s a rare alignment of timing and team need that could benefit both rider and constructor.

Pramac, traditionally aligned with Ducati, is preparing for a significant transformation. The move to Yamaha machinery shifts its identity within the paddock and forces a fresh strategic vision, one that could be headlined by a high-profile talent like Bastianini.

KTM’s Financial Crisis and Its Effects on Rider Stability

KTM is reportedly undergoing a €250 million restructuring due to rising debts, sparking rumors of a possible withdrawal from MotoGP after 2025. While no official announcement has been made, the uncertainty is already shaking up rider strategy.

Enea Bastianini, under KTM contract, is one of the most notable names affected. Despite his talent and value to the team, the looming financial instability is leading him to look elsewhere. His efforts to secure an early exit show a growing lack of faith in KTM’s long-term competitiveness and viability within the MotoGP structure.

The possibility of KTM stepping away from the grid altogether only fuels speculation that riders are preparing for lifeboats—and Bastianini appears to be at the forefront of this movement.

Pramac Yamaha’s 2025 Lineup and the 2026 Dilemma

For the 2025 season, Pramac has confirmed both Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira as its full-time riders. However, the contracts for both are reportedly one-year deals, leaving the 2026 slots wide open.

Bringing in Bastianini for 2026 would give Pramac Yamaha a top-tier rider with proven results and adaptability. He has consistently impressed with multiple podiums, race wins, and flashes of brilliance that mark him as a future title contender. His ability to quickly integrate with different bikes and teams makes him an attractive option for a satellite team looking to build long-term success.

Will Miller or Oliveira Be Retained for 2026?

Both Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira will be under pressure in 2025 to justify their places for another season. While both bring experience and value—Miller with his aggressive racecraft and Oliveira with his technical precision—neither has fully established themselves as long-term foundational pieces for Pramac Yamaha.

If either rider underperforms, the team may pivot toward Bastianini as a younger, dynamic talent with a higher ceiling. Bastianini also brings significant marketability, especially in Europe, which is an asset for Yamaha and their commercial ambitions post-2025.

Enea Bastianini’s Rise: From Underdog to Championship Threat

Still only in his mid-20s, Enea Bastianini has transformed from a Moto2 champion into one of MotoGP’s most respected racers. His time with Gresini Racing and Ducati Lenovo Team has shown he can battle with the very best. While injuries have occasionally stalled his momentum, his technical intelligence and race management have stood out time and again.

His performances have led many to believe that with the right support, Bastianini can become a regular title contender. If he joins Pramac Yamaha and adapts well to the YZR-M1, he could play a key role in the revival of Yamaha’s broader MotoGP competitiveness.

A Broader Trend: Riders Seeking Long-Term Security

Bastianini’s potential move reflects a growing MotoGP trend: top riders are prioritizing teams that offer not just fast bikes but long-term vision, financial security, and strong factory support. The era of purely chasing performance has evolved. Now, riders want clear developmental paths and stability—elements that Pramac Yamaha is beginning to offer in spades.

With Pramac’s full integration into the Yamaha structure and Yamaha’s renewed push to modernize their engineering approach, the team is fast becoming one of the most attractive satellite outfits in MotoGP.

KTM’s Collapse? What a Withdrawal Could Mean

If KTM were to exit MotoGP, the consequences would be immense—not just for riders but also for the sport’s balance. The loss of a major manufacturer could shrink the grid, reduce engineering diversity, and shift the balance of power in favor of Yamaha, Ducati, and Aprilia.

For Bastianini, this risk is not worth taking. Jumping ship early—if KTM permits—could save his career trajectory and place him on a competitive path when others may be left scrambling.

What Comes Next for Enea Bastianini?

For now, Bastianini will remain focused on his duties with KTM. Every race in the 2025 season becomes a spotlight opportunity to showcase his value—not just to KTM, but to Pramac Yamaha and any other potential suitors.

If he performs strongly despite the circumstances, his case for early release grows even stronger. If KTM falters competitively or financially, his exit could even become a necessity for both sides.

Should the deal go through, Bastianini’s arrival at Pramac Yamaha in 2026 could mark a new era—not just for him, but for the team and the Yamaha brand as a whole.

Final Thoughts: A Defining Move on the Horizon

While no official confirmation has been made, the rumor of Enea Bastianini to Pramac Yamaha is gaining serious traction. It’s not just another transfer story—it’s one that could reshape the balance of the MotoGP paddock.

Bastianini, with his experience, youth, and raw speed, is exactly the kind of rider Yamaha needs to reassert itself. For him, it’s a chance to lead a new chapter at Pramac and take on the world’s best with top-tier machinery under him.

Until contracts are signed and announcements made, this remains a rumor—but it’s one rooted in logic, strategy, and ambition. For now, fans will wait, watch, and wonder: Is Enea Bastianini the future face of Pramac Yamaha? The next few months will tell us everything.