Brad Binder has issued a strong warning about Miguel Oliveira’s place in MotoGP, emphasizing that Oliveira is too fast to be sidelined from top-tier racing. With Oliveira facing uncertainty after losing his seat at Pramac Yamaha for the 2026 season, concerns are growing about his future in the sport. Binder, who has raced alongside Oliveira in multiple classes, expressed hope that new opportunities will soon arise for the Portuguese rider.
The Current State of Oliveira’s MotoGP Career
Miguel Oliveira’s MotoGP journey has hit a rough patch, with his future uncertain and limited prospects available. Presently, Oliveira’s main option appears to be a test and wildcard role with Aprilia, though this is far from a permanent solution. Discussions about a move to the World Superbike Championship have gained momentum as time passes without firm confirmation of his next step. Binder, having closely observed Oliveira’s capabilities, shared his disappointment about the rider’s situation, stating,
“It’s really sad to see the situation he’s in right now.”
Brad Binder, MotoGP Rider
Shared History and Achievements Between Binder and Oliveira
Binder and Oliveira’s connection runs deep, having started as teammates in Moto3 and Moto2 before joining forces again in KTM’s factory MotoGP team from 2021 to 2022. Oliveira holds the distinction of being KTM’s most accomplished rider, securing five wins on the RC16, including the only MotoGP victories for Tech3 in 2020. This strong track record underscores the surprising nature of Oliveira’s current challenges in securing a competitive ride.
Recent Challenges and Team Changes Affecting Oliveira
After a difficult stint with RNF/Trackhouse Aprilia as a satellite rider, Oliveira was brought into Pramac Yamaha alongside Jack Miller. However, Yamaha’s surprising preemptive signing of WorldSBK star Toprak Razgatlioglu for the following year caused a major upheaval, casting doubt on Oliveira’s future there. Injuries forced Oliveira to miss three key races this season, but since returning, he has posted consecutive ninth-place finishes—the best results of his current campaign. Despite this, he remains at the bottom among Yamaha riders in the championship standings, intensifying the pressure on him.
Potential Moves and the Future Outlook for Oliveira
As the MotoGP environment continues to evolve, options for Oliveira in the World Superbike arena are becoming clearer, with potential manufacturer rides available from BMW and Yamaha. The crucial question is whether Oliveira will manage to reclaim a prominent spot in premier racing. Brad Binder firmly asserted,
“He’s too fast not to be here for sure.”
Brad Binder, MotoGP Rider
The racing community remains attentive to Oliveira’s next moves, anticipating that his undeniable speed and previous successes will eventually secure him a competitive opportunity, whether in MotoGP or World Superbike. As negotiations and possibilities develop, Oliveira’s path forward will be closely watched by fans and fellow riders alike.
