Miguel Oliveira is considering a potential role as an Aprilia MotoGP test rider in 2026, despite his confirmed contract with BMW for the World Superbike (WorldSBK) season. Oliveira’s plans were discussed during the Indonesian Grand Prix, where he outlined how balancing these commitments might be possible.
Oliveira’s 2026 Plans Include Possible Aprilia Testing
Earlier this week, Oliveira officially signed with BMW to compete in the 2026 WorldSBK season. He is expected to work closely with the BMW team currently supporting Toprak Razgatlioglu. However, Oliveira did not rule out combining his racing duties with a testing role for Aprilia’s MotoGP program.
After finishing 11th at the Indonesian Grand Prix, Oliveira addressed the possibility of testing for Aprilia, saying, “For me that’s an option.” He explained that while racing with BMW would naturally be the priority, it could be feasible to organize a schedule allowing him to contribute to Aprilia’s development work during his free time.
“For sure, it would be something to see with BMW first. The priority for sure would be to race, of course, but in terms of how things could actually be done in terms of calendar, and because I would also understand Aprilia want to take full advantage of having me testing their bike and now just jumping on the bike sometimes, in free time,”
Oliveira said.
Regarding the challenge of fitting such a schedule together, Oliveira admitted,
“So, it’s not easy to come up with the schedule that fits everyone.”
Implications of BMW’s Stance on MotoGP
When questioned about whether BMW’s openness to having one of its WorldSBK riders test for another manufacturer’s MotoGP project might suggest BMW has no current ambitions to enter MotoGP themselves, Oliveira responded simply, “Why not?” He speculated that decisions about MotoGP involvement likely depend on BMW’s marketing department and acknowledged the substantial budget required for such a venture.
He added,
“I think MotoGP is such a big budget effort that they need to go ask the marketing department, and I don’t know if they are really into that mode at the moment.”
Aprilia’s Perspective on Testing Collaboration
Massimo Rivola, CEO of Aprilia Racing, expressed cautious interest in bringing Oliveira on board as a test rider for 2026. Rivola highlighted challenges Aprilia faced in 2025, where Lorenzo Savadori had to balance frequent racing duties—substituting for Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura—with testing tasks.
Reflecting on Savadori’s experience, Rivola said in Indonesia,
“This year, Sava [Lorenzo Savadori] did some tests but he was racing.”
On the possibility of working with Oliveira, Rivola noted,
“So, maybe if there is a chance – if you want to ask me about Miguel Oliveira – there is a chance, let’s see, we will take the chance.”
However, Rivola underlined the need for approvals from BMW, given Oliveira’s contract, stating,
“Since he signed for BMW, he would need to ask BMW first. From our side… we’ll see.”
Balancing Roles Between Racing and Testing
The evolving situation highlights the complexities riders face when juggling commitments across different racing categories and manufacturers. Oliveira’s potential dual role would require careful negotiation between BMW and Aprilia to arrange a calendar that accommodates both racing in WorldSBK and testing duties in MotoGP.
This arrangement, if realized, could benefit Aprilia by gaining valuable insights from a full-time racer while allowing Oliveira to remain competitive across disciplines. The discussions emphasize the strategic considerations behind manufacturer partnerships, team priorities, and a rider’s career trajectory in high-level motorcycle racing.
