BMW has revealed that Miguel Oliveira, a distinguished MotoGP race winner, will join their World Superbike (WorldSBK) factory team for the 2026 season. This move marks Oliveira’s departure from MotoGP, where he has competed since 2012, embracing a new challenge in the World Superbike Championship.
Oliveira’s MotoGP career boasts five race wins, all achieved between 2019 and 2021, following his initial entry into grand prix racing during Moto3’s inaugural season. After competing for teams including RNF (now Trackhouse), Aprilia, Pramac Yamaha, and KTM, Oliveira’s upcoming switch to BMW’s WorldSBK outfit signals a major change in his racing trajectory.
Background on Oliveira’s MotoGP Career and New Teammate Partnership
Since joining MotoGP in 2019, Miguel Oliveira secured victories primarily during his KTM tenure but has not won a race since the 2021 Catalan Grand Prix. His experience spans multiple teams, reflecting adaptability across various manufacturers. With BMW, he will partner Danilo Petrucci, another rider with MotoGP race wins, forming a strong and competitive duo for the 2026 WorldSBK campaign.
The signing comes amid significant team restructuring at BMW Motorrad WorldSBK, prompted by Toprak Razgatlioglu’s move back to MotoGP and Michael van der Mark’s exploration of prospects outside WorldSBK. The Bavarian manufacturer aims to strengthen its factory roster for the forthcoming season, signaled by Oliveira’s addition.
Oliveira’s Perspective on Joining BMW’s WorldSBK Project
Miguel Oliveira expressed enthusiasm about his new role with BMW, emphasizing the ambition and competitiveness of the project.
To join the BMW family in the World Superbike Championship is an exciting step in my career, one in which I see tremendous potential,
said Miguel Oliveira.
He highlighted the opportunity to contribute to a team that significantly influences both the championship and the motorcycle industry.
“I am becoming part of a project that is not only ambitious and competitive, but has also made a significant impact on both the championship and the motorcycle industry. Being involved with a new team, working alongside strong partners, and embracing a new championship format gives me great motivation to deliver my very best.”
Oliveira also thanked the key figures involved in bringing him into BMW’s program and expressed eagerness for this fresh start.
I want to sincerely thank Mr. Sven Blusch, Technical Director Chris Gonschor and Team Principal Shaun Muir for their trust and enthusiasm. I can’t wait to begin this new chapter together.
BMW’s Strategy and Outlook for the 2026 Season
Sven Blusch, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport, warmly welcomed Oliveira to the team and underlined his track record of versatility and talent across grand prix classes. Blusch emphasized Oliveira’s experience and professionalism as valuable assets for BMW’s WorldSBK ambitions.
We are very happy to welcome Miguel Oliveira as a new factory rider for our ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team,
said Sven Blusch.
“Miguel has impressively 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 a high level of professionalism to our project.”
Blusch also noted the strength of the new rider pairing with Danilo Petrucci, pointing to their existing familiarity and synergy:
Together with Danilo Petrucci, his new teammate, he forms a strong and competitive rider duo. The two already know each other well. This constellation gives us the opportunity to take the next steps in our development and to further reinforce BMW Motorrad Motorsport’s ambitions in WorldSBK.
Focus on the Current Season and Support for Departing Team Members
Despite the announcement for 2026, BMW remains focused on securing success in the current WorldSBK season. With Toprak Razgatlioglu leading the riders’ standings by 36 points over Ducati’s Nicolo Bulega, BMW aims to defend its riders’ and manufacturers’ titles through the season’s remaining races.
The entire team is very much looking forward to working with him,
Blusch said, referring to Oliveira,
but, for now, our focus is on the remaining races of this season, with big goals: we want to win the world championship title again with Toprak Razgatlioglu and build on Michael van der Mark’s strong performance at Magny-Cours in order to also play a decisive role in the battle for the manufacturers’ title.
Blusch also acknowledged Michael van der Mark’s valuable contributions since joining BMW in 2022 and confirmed plans to continue collaborating with the Dutch rider in some capacity beyond WorldSBK.
Michael’s time in our WorldSBK project will come to an end after this season,
Blusch stated.
“I would like to sincerely thank him for his commitment, his successes and his achievements during his five years in our WorldSBK team.”
We are currently working on opportunities for further collaboration with him within the BMW Motorrad Motorsport family and would be delighted to move into a new future together with him.
Implications of Oliveira’s Move for Both MotoGP and WorldSBK
Miguel Oliveira’s departure from MotoGP closes a significant chapter, as he leaves a premier class where he achieved notable success but has sought renewed momentum. His transfer to BMW’s WorldSBK project illustrates the growing appeal of the Superbike series for riders aiming to extend their competitive careers at top levels.
BMW’s reinvigorated rider line-up for 2026, combining Oliveira and Petrucci, both with MotoGP victories, reflects the manufacturer’s drive to challenge the established order and build on current achievements. This strategic signing is expected to bolster BMW’s position in WorldSBK and fuel anticipation among fans for a highly competitive season ahead.
