Unexpected MotoGP: Miguel Oliveira returns to the 2026 race with Honda LCR and Trackhouse

Just when it seemed that Miguel Oliveira’s MotoGP chapter was nearing its end, the Portuguese rider has found himself back in the heart of the rider market conversation. Instead of being relegated to the shadows as a mere test rider, the “Falcon of Almada” could very well remain a full-time competitor in 2026—with not one, but two possible avenues keeping his career alive.

Honda LCR Opens a Door

The clearest and most immediate opportunity lies with Honda LCR, where sudden shifts in the rider market have left the satellite squad with a vacancy. With Iker Lecuona’s exit confirmed, the team has been evaluating replacements. Initially, the seat appeared destined for Johann Zarco, a familiar figure with Honda. However, Zarco’s looming move to World Superbikes with Honda has thrown the situation wide open.

If this transition materializes, Oliveira would emerge as a prime candidate for the ride. Pairing the Portuguese veteran with Brazilian rising star Diogo Moreira would not only give LCR a balance of experience and youthful energy but also add a unique Latin flair to the team’s line-up. For Oliveira, who has endured a rollercoaster of challenges in recent years, the Honda LCR opening could serve as the perfect platform to relaunch his MotoGP career.

Trackhouse Scenario: A Rider Market Chess Game

The second possibility is more complex, but just as intriguing. In this scenario, Zarco’s switch to Superbikes sets off a domino effect across the grid. Honda, instead of going for Oliveira, could choose to bring in Ai Ogura, the Japanese prodigy who has been steadily making a case for himself with consistent performances in Moto2. Should Honda opt for Ogura, that decision would indirectly free up a spot at Trackhouse Racing.

Trackhouse, the American-backed team, is a familiar environment for Oliveira. Having ridden for them in 2024, he already has connections within the garage and an understanding of the team’s culture and ambitions. A return to Trackhouse would provide continuity in certain aspects while giving Oliveira another shot at proving his worth in MotoGP after a difficult 2025 campaign.

A Unique Legacy on the Horizon

Should Oliveira secure a contract with Honda LCR, it would mark a special milestone in his already diverse MotoGP career. Few riders in modern history have had the opportunity to race for four different manufacturers at the premier level. Oliveira’s résumé already includes stints with KTM, Aprilia, and Yamaha. Adding Honda to the list would further emphasize his adaptability and underline his legacy as one of MotoGP’s most versatile competitors.

This kind of diversity is rare in the sport, where many riders spend the bulk of their careers aligned with a single manufacturer. Oliveira’s career, by contrast, has been a journey of evolution, resilience, and adaptability—qualities that could serve him well as Honda continues its long-term project to return to competitiveness.

From Exit to Opportunity

For weeks, the paddock whispers painted a bleak picture of Oliveira’s future. Many insiders believed he was destined for an early exit from MotoGP, either through a test rider role or an outright move to another championship. Injuries, coupled with Yamaha’s decision to replace him at Pramac in favor of Jack Miller, appeared to signal the end of his premier-class journey.

But in the ever-shifting world of MotoGP, where contracts, clauses, and sudden rider moves can rewrite the narrative overnight, Oliveira’s story has taken a dramatic twist. Instead of bowing out quietly, he is now back in contention for a full-time seat—whether it’s with Honda’s struggling satellite squad or the ambitious Trackhouse project.

A Critical Crossroads

For Oliveira, the next few weeks will be pivotal. Remaining in MotoGP would allow him to continue building on a career that has already seen him win races and establish himself as a respected figure in the paddock. At 30 years old, he still has plenty of experience to offer, and teams in transition—like Honda and Trackhouse—value riders who can bring stability while younger talents are being developed.

What remains to be seen is whether Honda prioritizes proven experience with Oliveira or opts to gamble on youth with Ogura. Similarly, Trackhouse’s final decision could hinge on sponsorship considerations, long-term planning, and its commitment to building a competitive structure around its riders.

Conclusion

Miguel Oliveira’s MotoGP story seemed all but over just weeks ago, yet the Portuguese rider finds himself at a surprising and exciting crossroads. Whether it’s the vacant seat at Honda LCR or a possible reunion with Trackhouse Racing, he now has two credible lifelines that could extend his journey at the sport’s highest level.

If he does secure one of these opportunities, Oliveira will not only silence talk of an early exit but also carve out a unique legacy—potentially becoming one of the very few riders to compete for four different manufacturers in MotoGP. From what once looked like a quiet farewell, the Falcon of Almada might instead be preparing for an entirely new chapter in 2026, proving once again that in MotoGP, nothing is ever certain until the lights go out on Sunday.