Gavin Emmett Hints at Miguel Oliveira’s Next Move After Pramac Exit

The Catalan Grand Prix weekend turned into a bittersweet chapter in Miguel Oliveira’s MotoGP career. On one hand, the Portuguese rider delivered his best result of the season with a determined ride to ninth place in Barcelona, finishing as the second-fastest Yamaha rider behind Fabio Quartararo. On the other hand, the performance came just days after confirmation that his Pramac Racing Yamaha seat would be handed to Jack Miller for 2026, leaving Oliveira without a spot on next year’s MotoGP grid.

From Solid Ride to Uncertain Future

Oliveira’s Catalan GP showed flashes of the skill and racecraft that made him one of the sport’s most respected competitors. A clean race, steady tyre management, and a measured attack through the mid-field earned him a valuable top-ten result in one of MotoGP’s most physically and mentally demanding events.

Yet, while Oliveira scored points on Sunday, the bigger story was already playing out off track. Just days earlier, Pramac announced that Jack Miller had signed on to fill the final vacant Yamaha satellite seat, officially shutting the door on Oliveira’s chances of remaining on the MotoGP grid in 2026.

For the first time in seven seasons, Oliveira faces a year away from premier-class competition. It is a sobering development for a rider who not long ago was seen as one of the strongest race winners in MotoGP.

Fans React to Yamaha’s “Low Blow”

The reaction from fans across the MotoGP world was swift and emotional. Social media filled with frustration and disbelief, with many describing Yamaha’s decision as a “low blow.” Supporters pointed to Oliveira’s technical ability, composure, and proven track record — including multiple wins with KTM — as reasons he should have been retained over Miller.

Adding to the frustration is the timing. Yamaha is set to debut a new V4 engine in 2026, a major step in its attempt to close the gap to Ducati and Aprilia. For Oliveira, missing out on the benefits of that upgraded package feels like a painful twist of fate, particularly after enduring a challenging season adapting to Yamaha’s current inline-four setup.

Jack Miller Chosen Over Oliveira

While Oliveira’s supporters have been vocal, Pramac Yamaha’s decision is not without logic. Jack Miller brings 11 seasons of MotoGP experience with multiple manufacturers, including Ducati, Honda, and KTM. That wealth of technical knowledge is invaluable as Yamaha seeks to fast-track development of its V4 engine project.

Miller’s reputation as a rider who provides detailed, actionable feedback to engineers likely factored heavily into the team’s decision. Yamaha is playing a long game, and Miller represents a bridge between the current era and the arrival of new regulations in 2027.

By contrast, Oliveira, while talented, has four fewer seasons in the premier class and less experience across multiple technical platforms. For Yamaha, which must accelerate its learning curve, Miller offered the safer bet — even if Oliveira arguably has the higher ceiling on pure performance.

Oliveira’s Recent Challenges

The 2025 season has been anything but smooth for Oliveira. A heavy injury earlier in the campaign sidelined him for four races, interrupting momentum just as he and Pramac Yamaha were beginning to find competitive rhythm.

As a result, Oliveira now sits among the lower half of the standings — only ahead of rookie Somkiat Chantra among full-time riders. The points gap does not reflect Oliveira’s full capability, but in the cutthroat world of MotoGP contracts, numbers often speak louder than context.

Gavin Emmett Hints at What’s Next

While Oliveira’s MotoGP future may be uncertain, speculation about his next move is already underway. During TNT Sports’ coverage in Catalunya, respected MotoGP commentator Gavin Emmett offered insight that could hint at a surprising twist in Oliveira’s career path.

“I also heard that Yamaha were still trying to hold onto him, maybe as a World Superbike rider to replace the retiring Jonny Rea,” Emmett said on air.

If true, such a move would keep Oliveira within Yamaha’s broader racing family, allowing the manufacturer to leverage his experience while giving the rider a new competitive chapter. It would not be a return to MotoGP, at least not immediately, but it could offer Oliveira a stable, factory-supported platform to chase wins and championships elsewhere.

Other Options: Aprilia and Beyond

Emmett also hinted that Aprilia could enter the picture. With team dynamics across the MotoGP grid constantly evolving, it’s possible that Aprilia — or even another satellite project — might see value in signing Oliveira for 2026.

Still, such opportunities would require a confluence of factors, including budget availability, rider reshuffling, and perhaps retirements or unexpected moves elsewhere. For now, Oliveira’s future in MotoGP remains a waiting game, one where timing, not talent, may ultimately decide the outcome.

The Risk of Leaving MotoGP for WSBK

The idea of Oliveira moving to World Superbikes (WSBK) is intriguing but complicated. While the championship is highly competitive, history shows that riders who leave MotoGP rarely find their way back. Exceptions exist, but the path is steep and rarely taken by those entering their 30s.

If Oliveira joins Yamaha in WSBK, he could become a title contender, particularly as Yamaha seeks to replace a proven champion like Rea. However, the trade-off would be stepping away from the global spotlight of MotoGP — a move that would effectively reset Oliveira’s career trajectory.

A Career at a Crossroads

Oliveira’s current situation highlights just how unforgiving MotoGP’s ecosystem can be. Even proven race winners are vulnerable when timing, team needs, and strategic priorities align in ways beyond their control.

His adaptability, calm demeanor, and technical maturity have earned him respect in every garage he has worked in. But at 30 years old, with younger riders emerging and manufacturers juggling long-term development plans, Oliveira must now navigate a career-defining decision: pursue a MotoGP return via a patient wait-and-see strategy, or embrace a fresh challenge in another top-level series.

Conclusion: Hope Amid Uncertainty

Miguel Oliveira’s story is far from finished. While his immediate future in MotoGP appears uncertain, the qualities that brought him to the sport’s highest level remain intact. He is still a rider capable of winning races, developing bikes, and inspiring teams.

Whether that next chapter unfolds in World Superbikes, with a rival manufacturer like Aprilia, or via an unexpected late shake-up in the MotoGP rider market, one thing is certain — Oliveira’s journey continues to capture the attention of fans, commentators, and teams alike.

For now, his top-ten finish in Catalunya stands as both a reminder of what he can do on the track and a subtle statement to the MotoGP paddock: Miguel Oliveira remains a rider worth fighting for.