Portuguese MotoGP rider Miguel Oliveira has officially dismissed speculation about joining Aprilia as a test rider for the 2026 season, firmly expressing his desire to continue competing on the track. Amid widespread rumors suggesting that Oliveira might reunite with Aprilia alongside Lorenzo Savadori in a supporting role, the five-time race winner made it clear that he wants to remain a full-time racer.
With the MotoGP season rapidly evolving and team lineups shifting, Oliveira’s future has become a topic of intense discussion. His teammate Jack Miller is reportedly moving to Pramac Yamaha with Toprak Razgatlioglu, but Oliveira’s next move remains uncertain following a challenging year at Yamaha, where his best race finish was 12th place in Hungary. Despite these difficulties, Oliveira insists he is not ready to step back from front-line competition.
The Challenges Ahead and Oliveira’s Concerns About Wild-Card Roles
Oliveira responded to the speculations by saying,
“Not really. I want to race! But of course I’m open to anything.”
While this statement reveals a willingness to consider options, his primary goal is clear: to keep racing rather than taking on a reduced role. The upcoming shift in MotoGP regulations toward the new 850cc engines in 2027 complicates the decision, making the role of a test rider more critical—but Oliveira remains skeptical about the benefits of wildcard rides under these circumstances.
He elaborated on the confusion surrounding future plans:
“I don’t know what could be a development plan and a wild-card plan for next season,”
and added,
“What’s the sense of wild-carding when the bikes are going to be different for 2027?”
These remarks highlight his frustration with the uncertainty and the lack of clear direction, as MotoGP prepares for major technical changes that could affect rider roles and opportunities.
The Current Contract Landscape and Oliveira’s Position
As contract negotiations continue to unfold for the upcoming season, several rider movements appear finalized, with names like Jack Miller, Luca Marini, Franco Morbidelli, and Diogo Moreira seemingly secured. Meanwhile, Yamaha is reportedly targeting Moto2 championship leader Manuel Gonzalez for a seat at Pramac, although Gonzalez is expected to remain in Moto2 for another year. This keeps Oliveira’s prospects unpredictable, especially as other riders solidify their spots.
Despite this, Oliveira remains determined to influence his path forward, indicating that updates may be imminent. He stated,
“In the next week, we could have some news and we’ll move on from there,”
signaling that decisions about his MotoGP racing future could arrive soon. The outcome will significantly impact the competitive landscape and Oliveira’s career trajectory.
Implications for Miguel Oliveira’s MotoGP Racing Future
Miguel Oliveira’s rejection of a test rider role underscores his commitment to staying in the MotoGP spotlight as a racer. This stance comes at a time when the sport faces considerable transformation, with new engine regulations altering team strategies. Oliveira’s persistence to remain competitive amid this uncertainty reflects the high stakes and pressures that riders face as they approach contract negotiations and career decisions.
For Oliveira, the upcoming announcements will determine whether he can continue to challenge on the grid or if he will have to reconsider his options in a rapidly evolving MotoGP environment. Fans and analysts alike remain eager to see how his MotoGP racing future unfolds, knowing that every decision will shape the next chapter of his career.
