Miguel Oliveira continues to be an unlucky rider as the accident caused him to lose his top 10 position at the French GP.

Miguel Oliveira was on the verge of achieving one of the most incredible results of his MotoGP career at the 2025 French Grand Prix, but a heartbreaking crash shattered his dreams just six laps from the finish line. The Portuguese rider from Prima Pramac Yamaha had made a bold strategy call under treacherous weather conditions—and nearly pulled off a miracle.

In a race dictated by heavy rain and unpredictable track conditions, Oliveira became the surprise star with a combination of courage, tire strategy, and raw skill. Yet, as fate would have it, glory slipped from his grasp at the final corner of Le Mans.

Bold tire choice puts Miguel Oliveira in the spotlight

From the very start of the race, as the rain intensified, Miguel Oliveira made the daring decision to start on wet tires, while most of the grid chose slicks. It was a strategic gamble that instantly gave him an advantage as the track conditions worsened.

As riders on slick tires struggled to control their machines and many had to pit early to switch bikes, Oliveira surged through the field. He overtook championship contenders like Pecco Bagnaia, Brad Binder, and even hometown favorite Fabio Quartararo, who either crashed or lost major ground due to tire changes.

At one point during the early stages of the race, Oliveira was running in second place, and the cameras couldn’t look away. His performance was commanding, unexpected, and instantly electrifying for fans and commentators alike.

He was the fastest Yamaha rider on the track by far—making it clear that his tactical brilliance and wet-weather mastery were about to deliver something truly special.

From second to seventh: A slow slide, but a determined fight

As the race progressed and the track began to dry, Oliveira’s wet tires started to lose their edge. The advantage he had gained began to erode, and riders with dry setups steadily began to reclaim positions.

Despite this, the Portuguese star didn’t give in. He continued to fight hard, managing the degrading tires with expert control, and refusing to let go of his position within the top ten.

With seven laps remaining, Oliveira was running in seventh place, still the top Yamaha on the grid—a remarkable achievement in itself considering the manufacturer’s ongoing struggles throughout the 2025 season.

It was clear he wasn’t going to finish on the podium anymore, but a top-ten finish under these brutal conditions would have been a major boost—not just for him, but for Yamaha’s morale overall.

The final corner heartbreak: Oliveira crashes out of the race

Then, the unthinkable happened.

At the end of lap 20, entering the final corner at Le Mans, Miguel Oliveira lost control of his Yamaha. The bike slid out from under him as he leaned into the apex—likely due to the worn-out wet tires on a drying surface.

He was thrown off, skidding across the runoff area as the crowd gasped in horror. The rider who had put on the most electrifying performance of the day was suddenly out of the race. His French GP dream was over.

Fortunately, he was unhurt. But the pain on his face was undeniable. Oliveira slowly walked away from the crash site, head bowed, shoulders heavy with disappointment. For over 20 laps, he had given everything—and had been just six laps away from a stunning result.

Yamaha’s ongoing woes highlight Oliveira’s brilliance

This race also emphasized the grim state of Yamaha’s 2025 MotoGP campaign. While rival manufacturers like Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia continue to innovate and dominate, Yamaha remains plagued by technical issues, lack of grip, and poor top-speed performance.

Yet, Oliveira’s ride at Le Mans was a rare bright spot for the Japanese manufacturer. Though it ended in a DNF, it was a performance full of skill, bravery, and hope. He proved that even without the best machinery, a smart strategy and fearless mindset can still shake up the order.

As fellow Yamaha riders—particularly Fabio Quartararo—continue to struggle near the back of the grid, Oliveira has emerged as a leader and a symbol of resilience within the team.

His decision to race on wet tires and stick it out without pitting showed not just tactical maturity but also the kind of fighting spirit that Yamaha desperately needs right now.

Global reaction: Oliveira hailed as the ‘people’s champion’

As soon as the race concluded, social media platforms lit up with support and admiration for Miguel Oliveira. Despite not finishing the race, many fans and pundits declared him the true star of the French Grand Prix.

Respected voices like Simon Crafar and Mat Oxley praised his bold decision-making, calling it “one of the most courageous rides of the season.” Some even suggested that Oliveira had delivered the most compelling solo performance of 2025—crash or not.

To many, he became the symbol of MotoGP’s unpredictable beauty, where grit and heart can shine brighter than pure results. Fans have now begun referring to Oliveira as “the people’s champion”—a rider who earned admiration not through points, but through pure effort and determination.

What’s next for Miguel Oliveira after the Le Mans crash?

Following his crash and DNF at Le Mans, Miguel Oliveira now sits outside the top 12 in the championship standings. However, that doesn’t truly reflect his potential or the quality he showed in France.

If Yamaha can provide even slight improvements in the coming rounds, and if Oliveira continues racing with this same fire, there’s every chance he can claw his way back into the championship mix. Tracks like Mugello, Assen, and Silverstone, which reward rider control and strategic intelligence, could be perfect hunting grounds for him.

Longer-term, speculation is mounting that Oliveira could be on the radar of more competitive teams. Sources around the paddock suggest that Trackhouse Aprilia and even Gresini Ducati may be interested in signing him for 2026. If he maintains this form and avoids further crashes, a major team switch could be in his future.

Legacy moment: More than just a crash

In the end, what Miguel Oliveira achieved at Le Mans may go down as one of the defining moments of his MotoGP journey—not because he won or even finished, but because he reminded everyone why we love this sport.

His ride encapsulated everything that MotoGP stands for: risk, reward, heartbreak, and heroism. He could’ve played it safe. He could’ve followed the crowd. But instead, he chased greatness—knowing the odds, knowing the risks, and laying it all on the line.

His crash might be listed in the DNF column—but in the hearts of fans, Miguel Oliveira won something far greater.