Miguel Oliveira has confirmed he will exit MotoGP after seven seasons and join the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team starting in 2026. The Portuguese rider from Almada will step into a full factory role in the FIM Superbike World Championship, alongside Italian veteran Danilo Petrucci on the BMW M 1000 RR.
Oliveira’s Transition from Grand Prix to WorldSBK
At 29 years old, Miguel Oliveira has been a prominent figure in motorcycle racing since his Grand Prix debut in 2011 as a teenager. Over his career, Oliveira has achieved notable milestones, including finishing as the Moto3 vice-champion in 2015 and the Moto2 vice-champion in 2018. Since entering MotoGP in 2019, he has secured five victories and nine podium finishes. Across all Grand Prix divisions, Oliveira has amassed 17 wins and 41 podiums.
Known as the Falcão de Almada, Oliveira is now embarking on a new phase by joining BMW’s factory effort, a program with ambitious aims to compete against established teams like Ducati, Yamaha, and Kawasaki in the WorldSBK championship.
“Joining the BMW family in WorldSBK is an exciting step in my career,” Oliveira said. “This project is ambitious, competitive, and influential in the championship and the motorcycle industry. Working alongside strong partners and with a new team gives me huge motivation to give my very best. I can’t wait to begin this new chapter.”
BMW’s Strategy and Outlook for WorldSBK
Sven Blusch, Director of BMW Motorrad Motorsport, expressed enthusiasm about welcoming Oliveira into the team. He highlighted Oliveira’s status as one of the most talented and adaptable riders of his generation. Blusch emphasized the rider’s extensive experience, having won in all three Grand Prix categories, including five victories in MotoGP.
“We are delighted to welcome Miguel Oliveira as a new factory rider. Miguel has proven throughout his career that he belongs to the most talented and versatile riders of his generation. With victories in all three Grand Prix classes, including five in MotoGP, he brings valuable experience and professionalism. Alongside Danilo Petrucci, he forms a strong, competitive duo that will help us take the next steps in our development and strengthen our ambitions in WorldSBK.”
Blusch also confirmed that BMW remains focused on contesting the 2025 WorldSBK championship with current lead rider Toprak Razgatlioglu, while simultaneously developing the team and machine to build long-term success.
Oliveira’s Final Season in MotoGP
Miguel Oliveira will complete his last MotoGP campaign racing for Prima Pramac Yamaha. The upcoming round at Mandalika, Indonesia, marks a particularly significant event, as the circuit was the venue where Oliveira made history by winning its debut MotoGP race.
The Indonesian Grand Prix weekend starts early Friday with practice sessions, followed by a 13-lap Sprint race on Saturday, and concludes with a 27-lap main race on Sunday, all events carrying great anticipation from fans and competitors alike.
Looking Ahead: Oliveira’s Impact and BMW’s Ambitions
This move is a pivotal moment for Oliveira and BMW. As Oliveira brings a proven track record of success and adaptability, his involvement is expected to elevate BMW’s WorldSBK campaign. With a strong partnership alongside Petrucci, the team aims to challenge the established leaders in the championship. For Oliveira, this represents an exciting new challenge and a chance to contribute significantly to BMW’s rise in the Superbike ranks.
For fans and the racing community, Oliveira’s transition signifies a reshaping of the competition landscape, promising intensified rivalry and renewed enthusiasm for the WorldSBK series in the coming seasons.
