Miguel Oliveira enters the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team for the 2026 season, fueling excitement as he prepares for a major career shift in the World Superbike Championship. The first official tests will start in Jerez on January 21 and 22, followed by the season’s launch at Phillip Island from February 20 to 22, placing Oliveira and his teammate Danilo Petrucci in the spotlight as they step up for the ROKiT BMW squad.
Track Action at Portimão Sparks Enthusiasm for Upcoming Battles
In an electrifying lead-up to the season, Oliveira and Petrucci participated in a private test session at the iconic Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão. This opportunity allowed both riders to connect with the challenging BMW M 1000 RR, drawing attention from enthusiasts and raising hopes for a competitive season. The transition marks a new chapter, as the duo prepare to replace reigning champion Toprak Razgatlioglu, aiming to match and exceed the standards set by the two-time world champions.
Petrucci’s Passion Surges Ahead of His Championship Campaign
Danilo Petrucci is embracing his new role within the WorldSBK paddock, bringing visible emotion and ambition to the BMW garage.
“I was incredibly emotional. It was one of the most intense days of my career. Competing for an official team is exceptional, and I’m extremely proud.”
– Danilo Petrucci, WorldSBK Rider
Reflecting on the significance of early testing, he added,
“It was crucial to get some kilometers under our belt before January. Sharing feedback with the team and understanding the bike’s strengths has been overwhelmingly positive.”
– Danilo Petrucci, WorldSBK Rider
Petrucci is clear about his ambitions—after a season affected by injury, he is determined to achieve a top-three finish in the 2026 championship.
“That would be fantastic. I was third last year until I got hurt, and I want to achieve that podium this time.”
– Danilo Petrucci, WorldSBK Rider
Oliveira Embraces Change and Prepares for the WorldSBK Challenge
Miguel Oliveira is energized by his move to WorldSBK, confronting not just new machinery but a new environment and team structure.
“I’m very excited. This is a significant shift in my career,”
– Miguel Oliveira, BMW WorldSBK Rider
He acknowledges the steep learning curve, pointing to both technical requirements and adapting to BMW’s race culture.
“Changing bikes is a big deal, and meeting new people adds an extra layer of challenge. Luckily, I believe I will be surrounded by the best, and the team will help me adapt quickly.”
– Miguel Oliveira, BMW WorldSBK Rider
His approach is methodical, recognizing the importance of gradual adaptation to the M 1000 RR’s characteristics.
“With such a significant change, adapting technically is essential. The riding position and dynamics affect everything – trajectories, braking, acceleration, tire management. All of it is different. It requires time and patience to build up speed and competitiveness.”
– Miguel Oliveira, BMW WorldSBK Rider
Oliveira is focusing on incremental progress, aiming to meet the expectations of a team that has enjoyed recent success.
“It’s important to take it race by race. Joining a team that has been world champions for two consecutive seasons raises the bar incredibly high. I need to quickly reach a level of competitiveness that meets their expectations—this is clearly my goal.”
– Miguel Oliveira, BMW WorldSBK Rider
Anticipation Builds for 2026 as BMW Targets the Podium
With testing concluded and preparations intensifying, focus now shifts to the first race at Phillip Island. Both Oliveira and Petrucci seem determined to push the envelope, backed by the formidable resources of BMW Motorrad and a world champion heritage. Their adaptability, technical development, and relentless desire to reach the podium will be key narratives for the season.
As the WorldSBK championship draws nearer, fans and industry observers are watching to see if Miguel Oliveira and the BMW team can reshape the competitive landscape. With former stars like Toprak Razgatlioglu as a benchmark, and with intense rivalries promised on storied tracks, 2026 is poised to be a passionate, energetic, and optimistic chapter in WorldSBK history.
