Miguel Oliveira begins Recovery Journey to Secure Pramac Racing Seat for 2026

Miguel Oliveira is a man on a mission. The Portuguese MotoGP star, who once stood as one of the brightest prospects in the paddock, now finds himself in a battle—not just on the racetrack, but for his future in the premier class. Following a string of setbacks, injuries, and inconsistent results, Oliveira is determined to bounce back and secure his place with Pramac Racing for the highly anticipated 2026 season.

The journey won’t be easy, but if there’s one rider capable of overcoming adversity, it’s Oliveira.

From Assen Glory to Present Day: Oliveira’s History at the Cathedral of Speed

The TT Circuit Assen has always been a special place for Miguel Oliveira. It was here in 2015 that he clinched a thrilling Moto3 victory, etching his name in the history books. Fast forward to 2021, and he secured an impressive fifth-place finish in MotoGP, further solidifying Assen as one of his favored tracks.

Now in 2025, the stakes are even higher. Coming off a gritty 13th-place finish at Mugello, where he finished ahead of Fabio Quartararo in a tight scrap, Oliveira is aiming to build momentum and launch a recovery campaign that will convince Pramac Yamaha he deserves to stay.

“Mugello showed our weaknesses,” Oliveira said candidly. “But I gave it my all to pick up points. In Assen, I’ll work hard to improve my qualifying pace. A good start is the key to a strong race!”

Fighting Through the Pain: Oliveira’s Injury-Plagued Season

It’s been a challenging season for the Portuguese rider, who has only managed six points so far and sits 23rd in the championship standings. Much of this poor showing is due to the four races he missed through injury—a blow that left him playing catch-up in both form and fitness.

However, Oliveira is not one to make excuses. Rather than focus on what’s gone wrong, he’s placing his energy into what can still be salvaged. The Assen Grand Prix offers a turning point: a familiar circuit, favorable weather, and the perfect chance to regain momentum.

Pramac Seat at Stake: The Battle with Jack Miller for 2026

With Toprak Razgatlioglu confirmed to be joining Pramac Racing in 2026, the team must now decide who will partner the two-time World Superbike champion. Both Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira are in the running, but only one will likely be retained.

Miller, though more consistent in terms of points, is also under scrutiny for his crashes and lack of elite finishes in 2025. Oliveira, meanwhile, has shown flashes of brilliance but has been hampered by injuries and technical struggles.

According to Pramac team boss Gino Borsoi, the door remains wide open:

“Assen should suit the M1, especially with cooler temperatures than Mugello. It could boost our performance. I’m quite optimistic!”

Optimism from the top is key. Borsoi’s backing gives Oliveira a fighting chance to stake his claim—especially if he can translate qualifying improvements into Sunday results.

Strategic Shift: Oliveira Learning from Bagnaia and Quartararo

During Friday’s chaotic Free Practice session, Oliveira employed a more tactical approach, opting to preserve tyres and delay his time attack run. His reasoning? The medium front tyre failed to heat properly, causing unpredictable feedback and front-end instability—an issue that plagued many, including Marc Marquez and Ai Ogura.

“I couldn’t afford to use another soft front just to ride,” Oliveira explained. “There’s a chance we’ll need it later in the weekend.”

It’s a smart strategy, and one that echoes moves by top-tier names like Pecco Bagnaia, who also waited late to avoid traffic and save rubber. Oliveira may be short on points, but his racecraft and technical intelligence remain intact.

Yamaha’s Evolution: Finding Balance with the M1

Since switching to Pramac Yamaha, Oliveira has had to adapt to a very different motorcycle philosophy. The YZR-M1, with its new V4 engine, demands smoother inputs and rewards riders who can extract corner speed without overwhelming the chassis. Oliveira, more accustomed to the rough-and-ready style of KTM and Aprilia, is still fine-tuning his adaptation.

But that’s where Assen might offer salvation.

With its flowing corners, fast transitions, and low temperatures, Assen is a track that naturally suits Yamaha’s strengths. This could give Oliveira the platform he needs to truly unlock his pace.

“Assen is a great opportunity,” said Oliveira. “I know the track well, and I believe we’ve made some gains in understanding how to work with the bike’s characteristics.”

Tire Politics and Rider Safety: Oliveira Speaks Out

Beyond just his performance, Miguel Oliveira has been vocal about the broader issues affecting MotoGP riders—especially when it comes to tyre options and safety.

After multiple crashes in Assen’s FP2 due to temperature-sensitive compounds, Oliveira emphasized the need for Michelin and Dorna to consider offering a wider tyre range to adapt to real-time track conditions.

“If we had more flexibility with compounds, we wouldn’t be forced to use tyres that aren’t performing,” he explained. “It’s not just about performance—it’s also about rider safety.”

Oliveira’s experience and level-headedness make him not only a valuable asset on track, but a respected voice in the paddock.

Miller vs. Oliveira: Different Paths, Same Goal

The comparison between Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira will dominate conversations in the coming weeks. Both riders are fighting for survival, but their approaches couldn’t be more different.

• Miller brings aggression, fan appeal, and raw speed—but has been erratic, with four DNFs in nine races.

• Oliveira brings intelligence, adaptability, and calm—but is battling back from injury and form loss.

The team’s decision may come down to who delivers results when it matters most. If Oliveira can break into Q2 and finish strongly at Assen, he may just tip the scales in his favor.

The Bigger Picture: Oliveira’s Redemption Arc

There’s something poetic about Oliveira’s story. From being hailed as KTM’s future, to battling through injury with RNF Aprilia, to now standing at a crossroads with Yamaha—his journey has been one of resilience.

If he’s able to turn things around at Assen, it won’t just be a career-saving result—it’ll be a statement of intent.

Oliveira isn’t just racing for points anymore. He’s racing for his reputation, for his legacy, and for the chance to prove he still belongs at MotoGP’s top table.

Conclusion: Oliveira’s Assen Comeback Could Decide His Future

With the 2026 Pramac seat still undecided, the Dutch Grand Prix represents a pivotal moment in Miguel Oliveira’s MotoGP journey. Armed with a smart strategy, renewed confidence, and a deep connection to the Assen circuit, the Portuguese rider is poised to launch his comeback—not just to score points, but to secure his place alongside Toprak Razgatlioglu next season.

It won’t be easy. But Miguel Oliveira has made a career out of defying expectations—and if Assen goes his way, we may be witnessing the start of one of MotoGP’s most determined redemption arcs.