Miguel Oliveira at Prima Pramac Yamaha: What does he need to do to regain the glory he once had at KTM in the 2025 season?

As the 2025 MotoGP season unfolds, Miguel Oliveira finds himself in a crucial transition phase, riding for Prima Pramac Yamaha after his injury-plagued tenure with RNF Aprilia. Once hailed as one of the brightest prospects during his stint with KTM, Oliveira’s current challenge is not just about finding pace—it’s about rediscovering the identity that once made him a fearsome competitor on the grid. So, what does Miguel Oliveira need to do to reclaim his former glory?

Adapting to the Yamaha Philosophy

Switching to Prima Pramac Yamaha means Oliveira must adjust his riding style to a completely different engineering approach. Unlike the aggressive, torque-heavy feel of the KTM RC16, Yamaha’s M1 emphasizes corner speed, smooth lines, and a more fluid rhythm.

Cornering stability and line precision are the pillars of Yamaha’s DNA. For Oliveira, who has been known for his late-braking and aggressive exits, adapting to this new dynamic will be pivotal. Early tests have shown promise, but full integration into Yamaha’s setup philosophy remains a work in progress. His success hinges on his ability to modify his instincts and ride the M1 the way it was designed—through grace rather than brute force.

Building Consistency in Qualifying

One of Oliveira’s major weaknesses since his KTM days has been his inconsistent qualifying performances. While he has proven race pace and racecraft, starting from the back of the grid consistently puts him at a disadvantage, especially in tightly contested fields.

To succeed with Yamaha, Oliveira needs to elevate his single-lap pace. Prima Pramac is known for its strong data analysis and engineering support, which could help unlock his potential in qualifying. Better starting positions would allow him to fight in cleaner air and avoid mid-pack chaos that often results in collisions or tire degradation.

Maximizing the Power of Prima Pramac’s Satellite Advantage

Although Prima Pramac is a satellite team, they often receive factory-spec equipment. In some cases, their bikes are even ahead in terms of testing newer parts compared to the official Yamaha factory squad. Oliveira must take full advantage of this by staying closely aligned with the engineering team and being vocal about what he needs to feel comfortable on the bike.

Being proactive with feedback and adapting quickly to updates will be essential. Riders like Johann Zarco and Jorge Martin have previously shown that success is possible in a satellite setup when there’s strong technical communication and development alignment. Oliveira needs to establish this same rapport if he wants to extract maximum performance from the M1.

Avoiding Injury and Improving Physical Endurance

Injuries have derailed much of Miguel’s momentum over the last few seasons. From collisions with other riders to issues during practice sessions, these setbacks have chipped away at his consistency and confidence. The 2025 season must be about physical preservation and strategic risk management.

Strengthening his physical conditioning and perhaps moderating his aggression in crowded race starts could go a long way toward keeping him on the bike and in points-scoring positions. Oliveira has the talent, but it’s of no use if he’s frequently on the sidelines.

Reigniting the Mental Fire

Confidence is the lifeblood of a MotoGP rider, and Oliveira’s mental approach in 2025 could define his success. When he was with KTM, Oliveira exuded a quiet confidence, often outperforming factory riders and executing race-winning strategies. Since then, prolonged injuries and lackluster results have dampened that fire.

The new team dynamic at Prima Pramac Yamaha could help reignite his belief. With a stable technical team and a platform to prove himself again, Oliveira has a fresh opportunity to rebuild his racing mindset. Meditation, visualization techniques, or even sports psychology might be avenues to regain the edge that once made him a race-winner.

Proving Himself Against Team Expectations

Joining Prima Pramac Yamaha isn’t just a career opportunity—it’s a pressure cooker. The team has high expectations after working with stars like Jorge Martin, who consistently fought for podiums and pole positions. Oliveira will be compared to these former riders, and rightly so.

Meeting or exceeding expectations could open doors to future factory rides or long-term contracts. On the flip side, underperforming could solidify a journeyman reputation. Oliveira must treat every race as a statement, showing he belongs among the elite.

Leveraging Track Familiarity and Technical Circuits

Oliveira has always shown strong results at technical circuits such as Portimão, Assen, and Sachsenring, where rider input and finesse matter more than sheer engine power. These venues could be key opportunities for breakout performances.

With the M1 traditionally performing well at flowing tracks, Oliveira must circle these events on his calendar. Strong showings at technical tracks could serve as confidence builders and prove that he and Yamaha are a compatible force.

Can Oliveira Return to Glory?

The path back to the top for Miguel Oliveira isn’t impossible, but it’s filled with challenges that go beyond talent. He must reinvent his style, rebuild his mental fortitude, and exploit every technical advantage that Prima Pramac Yamaha provides.

There are no guarantees in MotoGP. But if Oliveira can stay healthy, adapt quickly, and commit fully to the Yamaha philosophy, the 2025 season could mark the beginning of a thrilling comeback. Not just to the podium—but perhaps back to the title conversation.