After missing three rounds due to injury, Miguel Oliveira is set to return to MotoGP action this weekend at Le Mans, riding for Pramac Yamaha. The Portuguese rider suffered a rare and serious sternoclavicular dislocation in his left shoulder during the Argentine Grand Prix when rookie Fermin Aldeguer brought him down. Initially expecting a simple collarbone break with a three-week recovery, Oliveira’s injury proved far more complicated.
Oliveira scored just two points from the opening rounds before his setback, forcing Yamaha test rider Augusto Fernandez to fill in at COTA, Qatar, and Jerez. Now medically cleared, Oliveira expressed relief and determination ahead of his comeback.
“After two months away from racing, I’m really pleased to announce my return to the track this weekend at Le Mans,”
he said.
“This event marks not just a physical return, but the culmination of a demanding recovery process made possible by the unwavering support of my team.”
Team manager Gino Borsoi emphasized a cautious approach for Oliveira’s return, acknowledging the challenges ahead.
“First and foremost, I’m happy to welcome Miguel back – he‘s finally ready to race again,”
Borsoi explained.
“His season so far has been quite difficult, having missed three races due to a very unusual and serious injury. In many ways, Miguel‘s championship starts here in France. The work ahead of us involves helping him adapt physically and get up to speed with a bike that has evolved over the past months. The key now is patience and steady progress without added pressure.”
Fernandez revealed he would be on standby during free practice at Le Mans, ready to substitute in case Oliveira experiences any discomfort. He also confirmed his plans for a wild-card entry at Aragon next month.
“I’ll be there in FP1 just in case he doesn’t feel good… and then I have the wild-card in Aragon,”
Fernandez commented during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend.
“For the wild-card, I will be more of a test rider. [Replacing Oliveira] I am trying to do both: race for Pramac and test some things on Fridays and through the weekend. In Aragon, we will race with some new things.”
Oliveira’s return is set against a backdrop of excitement within the Pramac team, who will unveil a special Alpine-themed livery at Le Mans to celebrate their new sponsor. Alongside Oliveira, Jack Miller’s presence adds further strength as Pramac looks to build momentum in this crucial phase of the season.
This comeback represents more than just a return for Miguel Oliveira—it is a pivotal moment that could reshape his championship hopes and inject fresh energy into his season. With physical recovery now behind him, the challenge lies in regaining race rhythm and adapting to recent developments on the bike, all while managing expectations carefully. Fans and the MotoGP community will be watching closely, hopeful that Oliveira’s resilience leads to a strong and lasting return at Le Mans and beyond.
