Closing in on the Top Five, Miguel Oliveira Quietly Evaluates His WorldSBK Opportunities

The 2025 MotoGP season has been a turbulent one for Miguel Oliveira, but at the Catalan Grand Prix in Barcelona, the Portuguese star delivered what he described as a “solid” weekend — one that not only gave him his best result as a Yamaha rider but also came at a critical crossroads in his career. As the paddock digests Yamaha’s decision to retain Jack Miller instead of Oliveira for the 2026 season, the five-time MotoGP race winner is now openly exploring options, including a potential switch to WorldSBK.

Oliveira’s Best Pramac Yamaha Weekend Yet

After the shock confirmation ahead of the Barcelona weekend that Pramac Yamaha would keep Miller instead of Oliveira, many wondered how the Portuguese rider would respond on track. The answer was with speed, composure, and a touch of frustration that he simply ran out of laps to achieve more.

In Saturday’s Sprint race, Oliveira fought from 16th to 10th, making up crucial positions in a chaotic opening sequence. On Sunday, he improved one place further, finishing ninth in the grand prix itself — narrowly missing a top-eight result after getting caught behind Luca Marini’s sliding Honda in the closing laps.

“I was one of the fastest riders on track in the final laps,” Oliveira explained. “But I just ran out of time to pass Luca. Francesco Bagnaia was just ahead of him, and Fabio Quartararo — the top Yamaha — was only 2.5 seconds in front of me at the chequered flag. I came close to the top five, but it was too late to try and catch them.”

The result boosted Oliveira’s confidence at a time when off-track uncertainty could easily have clouded his performance. His seven points in Catalunya nearly doubled his season total to 17, a subtle reminder that despite Yamaha’s decision, his speed and racecraft remain competitive in the premier class.

Chaos at the Start — Calm in the Race

Oliveira’s race was anything but straightforward. The opening laps were defined by what he described as “chaos” as multiple riders checked up and collided in the early corners.

“It was a pretty solid weekend,” Oliveira reflected. “Close to the points yesterday, in the top ten today, good pace, no mistakes, and a few overtakes. I‘m happy with the result.”

“There was some chaos at the start — I tried to stay on the outside, but then the domino effect kicked in when one rider picked up the bike and hit another. I lost a lot of momentum going into Turns 2 and 3, so I couldn‘t make any progress there. From that point, I just focused on starting my race and staying calm, and it worked.”

It’s a trademark Oliveira response — avoiding panic, executing clean overtakes, and letting his race pace do the talking. His ability to manage tyres in the punishing Barcelona heat also stood out, as he gained speed while others struggled in the closing laps.

Yamaha’s Decision — A Career Crossroads

While Oliveira’s on-track response was positive, the reality remains: Yamaha has made its call for 2026. Jack Miller will stay. Miguel Oliveira will not.

The decision has understandably left the Portuguese star weighing his next move. When he joined Pramac Yamaha, he signed a two-year deal, but it included a performance clause for the second season — a clause he now admits he was unable to fully demonstrate due to injury setbacks and bike limitations in the first year of Yamaha’s new era.

“Honestly, it was a surprise,” Oliveira admitted earlier in the week. “We worked hard, and I feel I didn’t get the full chance to show what I could do. But now I have to think about what’s next — and there are options.”

And indeed, there are.

WorldSBK Offers Enter the Conversation

For a rider of Oliveira’s calibre, opportunities do not disappear — they shift. With MotoGP seats quickly filling, World Superbike (WorldSBK) has become an increasingly attractive destination for experienced Grand Prix riders looking for competitive machinery and factory backing.

One of the most intriguing possibilities is BMW, where Oliveira could effectively “swap” with reigning WorldSBK champion Toprak Razgatlioglu, who is set to make his MotoGP debut with Yamaha in 2026.

“This [BMW ride] could be an option,” Oliveira said during the Barcelona weekend. “But also Yamaha. Nothing is decided at the moment. We are in talks, still nothing concrete, but let’s see.”

BMW’s ambition in WorldSBK has been clear — major investment, experienced riders, and technical upgrades aimed at challenging the Kawasaki-Ducati dominance. Bringing in a five-time MotoGP race winner would signal a serious statement of intent.

Meanwhile, Yamaha WorldSBK now has a seat available following Jonathan Rea’s retirement announcement. For Oliveira, that pathway would offer not only familiarity with Yamaha as a brand but also competitive machinery capable of fighting for podiums immediately.

Test Riding — Another Route Back to MotoGP?

There is also the possibility that Oliveira takes a step back — but with a long-term plan in mind. Rumours in the paddock have linked him with an Aprilia MotoGP test rider role, where he could work alongside Lorenzo Savadori on the development of Aprilia’s new 850cc machine, potentially including wildcard appearances.

Such a move would keep Oliveira inside the MotoGP development sphere, keep his name in the mix, and potentially open the door for a full-time return if the right opportunity arose in 2027.

It’s a gamble, but one that has worked for other riders in the past — playing the long game rather than jumping immediately into a different championship.

Legacy and Timing — Oliveira’s Toughest Decision Yet

For Miguel Oliveira, the decision isn’t just about 2026 — it’s about the trajectory of the rest of his career. At 31, he remains in his prime physically and mentally. He’s proven himself a race winner in MotoGP, capable of beating the best on the right day. He’s respected in the paddock for his professionalism, adaptability, and technical feedback.

The question is: does he fight for another MotoGP seat in a grid that is increasingly leaning younger and factory-focused, or does he pivot to WorldSBK, where competitive machinery and championship fights await immediately?

Timing is everything. Offers in both paddocks will not remain open indefinitely. Oliveira must weigh not just performance potential but also job satisfaction, stability, and how he envisions the final chapters of his racing story.

A Professional Until the End

Regardless of what comes next, Oliveira’s attitude remains professional, focused, and grounded — a testament to his character even in difficult times. Rather than sulk over losing his MotoGP ride, he’s producing his best Yamaha results yet, pushing until the very end of the season, and exploring all possible avenues for his future.

That professionalism will not go unnoticed — whether by WorldSBK factories, MotoGP teams needing a development ace, or even broadcasters and manufacturers looking for respected figures in and around the sport.

For now, Oliveira’s task is clear: finish 2025 as strongly as possible, prove his value in every remaining race, and make a decision that positions him not just for a seat, but for the right seat.

Conclusion: The Next Chapter Awaits

The Barcelona Grand Prix may not have delivered a podium, but it represented something just as important for Miguel Oliveira — a reminder to the paddock, and perhaps to himself, that he still belongs at the sharp end of elite motorcycle racing.

With Yamaha’s MotoGP door closed and WorldSBK options opening, Oliveira stands at a career-defining fork in the road. Whether he continues in MotoGP in a development role, jumps to WorldSBK in a bid for a new championship, or waits for the right offer, one thing is certain: Miguel Oliveira’s story in top-level racing is far from over.