Bad Luck Forces Miguel Oliveira to Miss a Big Opportunity, While Jack Miller Makes the Most of It

In the high-stakes world of MotoGP, opportunities can come and go in the blink of an eye, and sometimes bad luck plays a pivotal role in shaping a rider’s season. For Miguel Oliveira, 2025 has been a challenging year, marked by injury setbacks and missed chances — most notably, his withdrawal from consideration for the prestigious Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race. Meanwhile, his Pramac Yamaha teammate Jack Miller has seized the moment, showcasing strong performance and earning valuable recognition.

Oliveira’s Injury and the Missed Suzuka 8 Hours Chance

Miguel Oliveira’s 2025 season took an unfortunate turn early on when he suffered injuries in a crash involving rookie Fermin Aldeguer at the Argentina GP. The injuries forced Oliveira to miss three Grands Prix and dashed his hopes of participating in this year’s Suzuka 8 Hours, a race regarded as one of the most iconic endurance events in the motorcycle racing calendar.

Speaking candidly about the missed opportunity, Oliveira expressed his desire to compete at Suzuka in the future. “I would love to go to Suzuka,” he said, reflecting on the race’s significance and his personal ambitions. However, due to his injury and Yamaha’s cautious approach, Oliveira told Yamaha Racing managing director Paulo Pavesio to feel free to consider other riders for the event lineup. “If you’re doubting between me or any other rider, please feel free to knock me off that line-up,” he said.

While the door remains open for future Suzuka appearances, this year’s edition was dominated by Honda, with LCR Honda MotoGP rider Johann Zarco and Takumi Takahashi winning the race for the second consecutive year. Yamaha’s all-star team — including Jack Miller, WorldSBK race winner Andrea Locatelli, and Suzuka veteran Katsuyuki Nakasuga — finished a respectable second, 34.2 seconds behind the winners.

Jack Miller’s Moment to Shine

Jack Miller’s involvement in the Suzuka 8 Hours with Yamaha’s factory squad was a bright spot in a season filled with uncertainty. Miller’s solid performance not only helped Yamaha secure a strong second-place finish but also showcased his versatility and endurance racing skills, qualities that could strengthen his case for a contract renewal.

With Miller currently pursuing a new deal, his Suzuka showing adds to his appeal as a valuable asset for Yamaha’s future plans. The race holds great significance for both Honda and Yamaha, especially being held on their home turf in Japan, further underlining the importance of Miller’s contribution.

Oliveira’s Uncertain Future with Yamaha

Like Miller, Miguel Oliveira heads into the summer break with an uncertain future in MotoGP. Though announced as part of Pramac’s two-year deal, Oliveira’s contract for the second year remains conditional. Yamaha has yet to reveal the identity of Toprak Razgatlioglu’s 2026 teammate, leaving Oliveira’s place in the grid uncertain.

This situation places pressure on Oliveira to perform consistently and impress at every MotoGP event. “Every opportunity you have to show what you can do, I think that’s a big plus,” Oliveira said at the Brno GP, emphasizing how crucial it is to prove his worth amid contract uncertainties.

Struggles on the Track

Unfortunately, Oliveira’s 2025 season stats reveal a difficult campaign. Scoring only six points so far, he is currently the lowest-ranked Yamaha rider in the championship standings ahead of the Austria GP restart. Rear grip issues — a challenge shared by other Yamaha riders this season — have further complicated his ability to compete at the front consistently.

Despite being a five-time KTM race winner and known for his aggressive racing style, Oliveira has struggled to translate his experience into strong results on the Yamaha M1, facing tough competition and mechanical challenges alike.

Looking Ahead: Can Oliveira Bounce Back?

While 2025 has been a tough year for Miguel Oliveira, the rider remains focused on making the most of the remaining races. His commitment to improving and showing his potential during every outing reflects his professional mindset and determination to secure his spot on the grid.

With Jack Miller making waves and potentially strengthening his position within the team, Oliveira will need to find ways to regain momentum and showcase his skill to maintain relevance in Yamaha’s plans. The upcoming races, starting with the Austria GP at the Red Bull Ring, represent critical opportunities for Oliveira to demonstrate resilience and deliver performances that could sway contract decisions in his favor.

Conclusion

Miguel Oliveira’s journey through the 2025 MotoGP season highlights how bad luck and injury can drastically affect a rider’s opportunities. Missing out on the Suzuka 8 Hours — a race he deeply wishes to participate in — is just one example of the challenges he’s faced. Meanwhile, Jack Miller’s strong showing at Suzuka underscores the competitive nature of MotoGP, where seizing opportunities can significantly influence career trajectories.

As Oliveira pushes forward amidst uncertainties, the MotoGP world watches closely, hoping to see a resurgence from the talented Portuguese rider who has the skill to bounce back and make his mark once again.