Miguel Oliveira Talks About His Plan After a Challenging Day in Austria GP

As the 2025 MotoGP season progresses, Yamaha is facing growing speculation about its rider lineup for 2026. Rumors suggested that factory rider Alex Rins, who has struggled for consistent results, might be relieved of his duties. However, Yamaha Motor Racing Managing Director Paolo Pavesio has firmly dismissed these claims, clarifying that the team remains committed to Rins. His comments, made during practice for the Austrian Grand Prix, also cast doubt on any immediate opportunities for Jack Miller or Miguel Oliveira to secure a factory ride next season.

Factory Seat Stability for Alex Rins

Rins has had a challenging season, with inconsistent results putting him under the spotlight. Speculation had been circulating that Yamaha could replace him, potentially opening a factory seat for one of the Pramac Yamaha riders. Pavesio, however, poured cold water on these rumors: “I don’t know where those rumours are coming from. We have a contract and we are fully committed to helping Alex exploit his potential.”

This statement confirms that Rins’ position at the factory team is secure for 2026, at least for now. While fans and analysts had hoped for a shake-up, Yamaha appears focused on giving Rins the tools and support needed to maximize his performance rather than making abrupt changes.

Implications for Pramac Yamaha Riders

The dismissal of rumors about Rins’ potential exit has immediate implications for Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira, the two current Pramac Yamaha riders competing for a single 2026 seat at the satellite team. With no sudden opportunity to be promoted to the factory team, both riders remain in a tense waiting period to see who will secure the Pramac position.

Pavesio admitted that the decision over which of the two riders would stay had been deliberately delayed: “To be honest, we want to give ourselves a bit more time. We are assessing the riders. I understand that for the riders it might not be ideal, but this is an important decision. If we can have more time to be a bit more informed, taking this not easy decision, we want to try to get it – and we are getting it.”

This confirms that Yamaha is carefully evaluating both Miller and Oliveira, weighing factors such as performance, consistency, and adaptability before making a final call.

Possibility of a New Rider at Pramac

Interestingly, Pavesio’s comments also left open the possibility that Yamaha may choose a completely new rider to join Toprak Razgatlioglu at Pramac. By not explicitly mentioning Miller or Oliveira, Yamaha retains the option to make an unexpected change, which could reshape the satellite team’s lineup for 2026.

This adds another layer of uncertainty for both riders. While Miller and Oliveira have been competing strongly, Yamaha’s management seems focused on assessing all available options to ensure the most competitive team for the next season.

Tough Start for Yamaha at Austrian GP

The Austrian Grand Prix practice sessions highlighted ongoing challenges for Yamaha, both in the factory squad and at Pramac. None of the four riders qualified directly for Q2 on Saturday, with results indicating struggles across the board.

Factory rider Fabio Quartararo, a former championship contender, led the Yamaha group but finished only 14th in practice, showing that even the factory bike is facing performance difficulties at the Red Bull Ring. Meanwhile, Miller and Oliveira occupied the lower positions, finishing 20th and 19th, respectively, after both encountering issues. Miller faced an engine problem that interrupted his session, leaving him just a tenth of a second slower than Oliveira. Rins managed to edge both Pramac riders, finishing 17th.

These results underscore the technical challenges Yamaha is facing in Austria. The track, which demands strong acceleration out of slow corners and high-speed stability on the straights, appears to be exposing the bike’s limitations in both traction and power delivery.

The Pressure on Miller and Oliveira

For Miller and Oliveira, the Austrian GP practice sessions serve as both a challenge and an opportunity. Every lap is a chance to impress Yamaha’s management, which is still assessing the two riders for the 2026 Pramac seat. Both riders know that consistency, adaptability, and resilience under difficult conditions will weigh heavily in Yamaha’s decision-making process.

The engine problem Miller encountered highlights the fine margins in MotoGP, where mechanical issues can affect not only lap times but also a rider’s overall assessment. Oliveira, meanwhile, continues to face challenges on Yamaha machinery, particularly on tracks that demand high traction and smooth power delivery.

Yamaha’s Strategic Approach

Paolo Pavesio’s comments suggest that Yamaha is approaching rider decisions strategically rather than impulsively. By keeping options open, evaluating performance over multiple tracks, and considering both current riders and potential new talent, Yamaha aims to build a competitive and stable lineup for 2026.

For the factory team, maintaining confidence in Alex Rins may also be a strategy to provide continuity and stability. Rins’ contract and the team’s commitment indicate that Yamaha is willing to invest in developing his potential rather than making abrupt changes mid-season.

Looking Ahead

The Austrian Grand Prix weekend will continue to be critical for all Yamaha riders. While practice results have been challenging, the focus will shift to qualifying and the race, where strategy, tire management, and technical adjustments will determine performance. For Miller and Oliveira, these sessions provide one last chance to demonstrate their adaptability and speed under pressure.

The 2026 Pramac seat decision remains pending, and both riders will need to maintain focus despite the uncertainty. At the same time, Yamaha’s factory team will aim to find solutions to ongoing performance issues, particularly as the season moves into circuits that test both acceleration and top-end power.

Conclusion: Stability Amid Speculation

Paolo Pavesio’s dismissal of rumors about Alex Rins’ exit confirms that Yamaha intends to maintain stability within the factory squad while carefully assessing options for the satellite Pramac team. Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira remain under pressure as the two current candidates for a single 2026 seat, with the possibility of a new rider adding further uncertainty.

The Austrian GP practice results underscore Yamaha’s ongoing technical challenges, highlighting the need for both riders and management to remain focused and strategic. As the season progresses, the decisions made now will shape the 2026 MotoGP lineup and potentially define the careers of both Miller and Oliveira.

Fans will be watching closely to see how Yamaha navigates this period of evaluation, and whether the Pramac seat goes to one of the current riders or a new talent emerges. For now, Yamaha is committed to stability, careful assessment, and measured decision-making, ensuring the team remains competitive and prepared for the challenges ahead.