Jorge Martin Breaks Silence on Miguel Oliveira’s Aprilia Rumors

The MotoGP rider market for 2026 is beginning to settle, but one of the most intriguing storylines surrounds Miguel Oliveira, who faces a crucial career decision after losing his Pramac Yamaha seat. With no full-time premier class ride available, the Portuguese star is at a crossroads that could redefine his racing future. Options in both World Superbike (WSBK) and a possible test role within MotoGP are on the table, and reigning world champion Jorge Martin has added his voice to the discussion by expressing support for Oliveira’s potential move to Aprilia as a test and development rider.

Oliveira, a five-time MotoGP race winner, remains one of the most talented riders not currently holding a secured seat for 2026. While offers from factory outfits such as BMW and Yamaha in the WSBK paddock are rumored to be under consideration, Oliveira may still find a way to extend his MotoGP career. The possibility of joining Aprilia in a test and wild-card role—the same manufacturer he rode for during his RNF/Trackhouse tenure—could keep him in the mix at the top level while also shaping the future of Aprilia’s RS-GP project.

Martin Sees Value in Two-Test Rider Strategy

In speaking about the potential move, Jorge Martin highlighted the value Oliveira could bring to Aprilia’s test program. “I don’t know if the Oliveira-Aprilia rumours are true, but I think having two test riders could be good,” Martin explained. His endorsement reflects a growing recognition that MotoGP development programs increasingly require multiple perspectives and workloads to meet the demands of rapid technical evolution, especially with the switch to 850cc machines in 2027 looming on the horizon.

Martin drew parallels to his own experience during a period of absence through injury when his team relied heavily on Marco Bezzecchi to gather data. “Marco was doing all the job, but he was alone. When I arrived, we could compare the data and compare the opinions, so I guess in the test team it’s the same,” Martin said.

For Martin, Oliveira represents the ideal candidate to partner Lorenzo Savadori, Aprilia’s long-time development rider. “Lorenzo is doing an amazing job, I have to say, but I think Miguel is still racing and still active, and he rode also different bikes. So I think it’s a really good option to get him,” Martin added.

Why Oliveira Fits the Aprilia Profile

Oliveira’s MotoGP journey has been filled with both triumphs and setbacks, but his adaptability stands out. Having ridden for KTM, Yamaha, and Aprilia machinery during his time in the premier class, he has a wealth of comparative experience that could prove invaluable to Aprilia engineers as they refine the RS-GP package. Unlike a test rider who may have spent years away from the pressures of race weekends, Oliveira’s continued participation as a full-time competitor until 2025 means his feedback would be sharp, relevant, and rooted in the current realities of MotoGP racing.

This is particularly crucial as the sport gears up for sweeping regulatory changes in 2027. Manufacturers are already preparing for a reduction in engine capacity to 850cc, a move that will dramatically alter bike characteristics. The presence of multiple test riders will help balance development loads, reduce risks of blind spots in data collection, and accelerate the refinement of new components.

Aprilia’s Development Path Compared to Rivals

Aprilia is not the only team considering the value of multiple test riders. While Ducati has historically relied heavily on Michele Pirro as its sole test rider, other manufacturers such as Honda, Yamaha, and KTM have embraced multi-rider testing programs. The latter have reaped the benefits of having different perspectives and riding styles influencing development.

Martin believes that Aprilia adopting a similar strategy could prove decisive. “They [two test riders] can both test and try to improve the bike together. Hopefully Aprilia can take another test rider, a competitive one,” he emphasized.

This kind of collaborative development structure could be essential if Aprilia wants to maintain momentum. After showing flashes of brilliance in recent seasons, Aprilia is eager to bridge the gap to Ducati and fight consistently for wins. Adding a rider like Oliveira, who has not only MotoGP race victories but also insight from different bike philosophies, could accelerate their progress.

What Lies Ahead for Oliveira

For Oliveira, the decision is a career-defining one. A move to WorldSBK with Yamaha or BMW would offer him a fresh start in a highly competitive championship, potentially opening a new chapter of success. At the same time, staying within MotoGP—even in a non-full-time capacity—keeps him directly involved with the premier class, preserving his relevance and ensuring he remains an option should a race seat become available in the future.

Wild-card appearances would also allow him to showcase his ability against the world’s best riders while offering Aprilia valuable real-race data. It could even mirror the career paths of riders like Dani Pedrosa, whose wild-card performances for KTM demonstrated the critical role a top-level test rider can play.

The Bigger Picture

Oliveira’s situation reflects the reality of a crowded MotoGP grid where talented riders sometimes find themselves squeezed out due to team restructures and shifting manufacturer strategies. Yet, his reputation as a race winner and a technically astute rider ensures that he remains an asset to whichever path he chooses.

For Aprilia, securing his services could strengthen their position as they enter a vital phase of development. For Oliveira, it may provide the perfect balance between continuity at the sport’s highest level and the chance to influence a manufacturer’s future.

As Jorge Martin rightly points out, two test riders could be better than one—and if Miguel Oliveira becomes that second rider, Aprilia may well gain a competitive edge in the evolving MotoGP landscape.