Miguel Oliveira is contemplating a position as Aprilia’s test rider for the 2026 MotoGP season, even though he has recently signed with BMW for the World Superbike Championship. This potential move was hinted at after his performance in the Aragon WorldSBK, where he confirmed his commitment to BMW while leaving the door open for opportunities with Aprilia.
Oliveira Addresses Dual Commitments and Challenges Ahead
After placing 11th in the Indonesian Grand Prix riding his Pramac Yamaha, Oliveira was asked about testing Aprilia motorcycles. He responded cautiously, saying, “For me, that’s an option,” but stressed the importance of coordinating with BMW first. He acknowledged the complexity involved, stating,
The priority for sure would be to race, of course.
Oliveira highlighted that balancing obligations between BMW’s WorldSBK program and testing duties for Aprilia would demand careful scheduling.
BMW’s Stance and Oliveira’s Views on MotoGP Involvement
The situation sparks questions about BMW’s intentions in MotoGP, given Oliveira’s interest in Aprilia testing despite his BMW contract. When asked whether BMW’s willingness to allow such testing might signal a reduced focus on MotoGP, Oliveira remarked, “Why not?” implying that BMW’s current goals in MotoGP might be limited. He pointed out that successful competition at this level requires significant investment and strategic marketing, fostering speculation about BMW’s long-term commitment.
Aprilia’s Openness to Collaboration with Oliveira
Massimo Rivola, CEO of Aprilia Racing, acknowledged the team’s interest in having Oliveira onboard as a test rider. Reflecting on the difficulties faced by Lorenzo Savadori, who has had to blend racing and testing duties due to team injuries, Rivola emphasized the potential benefits of adding Oliveira to the setup. He clarified,
Since he signed for BMW, he would need to ask BMW first,
underscoring that any such arrangement depends heavily on BMW’s approval and remains undecided at this stage.
Possible Career Impact and What Lies Ahead for Oliveira
The motorsport community is closely observing whether Oliveira can navigate the complexities of competing in WorldSBK while testing in MotoGP, a dual role that could reshape his career path. With tensions between manufacturers and contractual obligations creating uncertainty, the upcoming 2026 season will be pivotal for Oliveira. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if he will manage to bridge both worlds successfully or if corporate constraints will limit his ambitions.
