Is the test rider Oliveira’s future? WSBK is also planning

As the 2025 MotoGP season enters its summer break, Miguel Oliveira finds himself at a crossroads. Once hailed as one of the most promising riders of his generation, the Portuguese rider is now facing the possibility of not having a full-time ride in the 2026 MotoGP season. But despite his current struggles, interest in the five-time MotoGP race winner remains strong — from MotoGP manufacturers to World Superbike teams, everyone is watching closely to see what his next move will be.

A Disappointing Season with Pramac

Oliveira’s 2025 campaign with Pramac Racing has been underwhelming. Sitting 23rd in the championship with only six points, the season has been far from what both the team and the rider envisioned when they joined forces. Once considered a podium threat, the 30-year-old has struggled to adapt to the Ducati, and the whispers of his replacement are growing louder as the team explores younger options like Manuel Gonzalez or Diogo Moreira for 2026.

Superbike or MotoGP: Which Path Will Oliveira Choose?

While it may seem like MotoGP’s door is closing, Oliveira’s profile remains attractive to teams outside the premier class. In the World Superbike Championship, manufacturers such as BMW, Honda, and Ducati are reportedly circling the Portuguese rider. With WSBK teams seeking seasoned racers to help guide their development and push for top results, Oliveira’s experience, racecraft, and marketability are major assets.

But according to reports, Oliveira is not interested in a WSBK switch — at least not yet.

Oliveira’s Priority: A Development Role in MotoGP

Rather than leave the MotoGP paddock altogether, Miguel Oliveira has expressed a clear preference for staying within the premier class, even if that means stepping away from race weekends. A development rider role, it seems, is where he sees his immediate future.

And that vision aligns with the needs of Yamaha, whose current test rider, Cal Crutchlow, is approaching the end of his contract. With the team undergoing a transformation under new leadership — particularly with Paolo Pavesio now heading the racing department — Yamaha is reportedly interested in injecting fresh energy and insight into its M1 development program.

Given Oliveira’s extensive experience with different machines (KTM, Aprilia, and now Ducati), his feedback would be invaluable in the technical reshaping of Yamaha’s prototype. Additionally, names like Andrea Dovizioso and Augusto Fernandez are also rumored to be part of Yamaha’s testing future, potentially forming a dynamic trio with Oliveira at the core.

A Return to Aprilia? A Familiar Home Beckons

Another realistic scenario is a return to Aprilia. Oliveira previously rode for the RNF Aprilia squad, where he showed promise before injury setbacks and team restructuring shifted his trajectory. Now, Aprilia’s testing program is notably thin, with only Lorenzo Savadori holding a development role.

Given Oliveira’s strong technical feedback, versatility, and prior rapport with the Aprilia garage, Noale could benefit greatly from bringing him back into the fold — not as a race rider, but as a key test and wildcard presence. With Aprilia pushing to close the gap to Ducati, an experienced hand like Oliveira’s could make the difference in fine-tuning their RS-GP package.

Oliveira’s Message: Stay in the Fight, Even Behind the Scenes

What’s become clear from the Portuguese rider’s camp is that he’s not ready to walk away from MotoGP. Even if he’s no longer battling for podiums on Sundays, he’s willing to contribute to the sport’s evolution from the garage. That’s a bold and admirable stance in a sport often defined by ego and glory.

“If I can no longer fight on Sundays, I will put my talent at the service of those who can,” Oliveira is said to have shared.

It’s a statement that reflects both maturity and deep passion for the sport. Rather than chase lesser glory elsewhere or fade away, Oliveira wants to shape the next generation of machines, ensuring his legacy lives on through his input and expertise.

A New Chapter, Not the End

As MotoGP evolves, the role of test riders has never been more crucial. With increasingly limited testing opportunities and rapidly developing technology — from ride-height devices to aerodynamics and hybrid engines — teams now lean heavily on their development riders. Dani Pedrosa’s impact at KTM and Michele Pirro’s role at Ducati have highlighted how vital this position can be.

For Miguel Oliveira, this could be a new chapter rather than the end. He has the talent, intelligence, and emotional maturity to become a major asset to any factory team. Whether it’s Yamaha, Aprilia, or even a surprise player, the 2026 grid may not feature Oliveira in full-time action — but his fingerprints might be all over the race-winning machines.

Conclusion: Will Oliveira Embrace His New Destiny?

The 2026 MotoGP season may mark a turning point in Miguel Oliveira’s career. Though his days as a regular race winner may be behind him, his influence on the sport is far from over. Whether he joins Yamaha’s testing program, returns to Aprilia, or surprises everyone by reinventing himself elsewhere, one thing is clear: Miguel Oliveira is not done with MotoGP — not by a long shot.

He may not be fighting for glory on race day, but behind the scenes, he could be helping shape the future of the very sport he loves. And in a world driven by performance and evolution, that’s perhaps the most powerful role of all.