Miguel Oliveira is slated to assume the role of crew chief Phil Marron beginning in 2026, following Toprak Razgatlioglu’s move from World Superbike to MotoGP. This change coincides with Oliveira’s entry into the World Superbike Championship with BMW for the upcoming season.
Transition of Crew Chiefs Alongside Rider Moves
Toprak Razgatlioglu will be joining the Pramac Yamaha satellite team in MotoGP in 2026, moving from World Superbike. His longtime crew chief, Phil Marron, who has been integral to all 76 of Razgatlioglu’s WorldSBK victories and both his championship titles, faces a shift due to the arrival of Italian crew chief Alberto Giribuola at Pramac Yamaha.
Giribuola, who left KTM after serving as Enea Bastianini’s crew chief in the Tech3 team since early 2025, is expected to take charge at Pramac Yamaha, effectively limiting Marron’s opportunities to continue with Razgatlioglu. Consequently, Marron appears poised to join Oliveira’s team for the rookie’s inaugural WorldSBK campaign.
Yes, everything indicates that that will be my crew, Toprak’s [Razgatlioglu] crew,
Miguel Oliveira confirmed on October 3 in Indonesia.
When pressed for clarity on whether Marron will be his crew chief, Oliveira replied, Yes. I think so.
World Superbike’s Race Calendar Attractiveness for Riders
While MotoGP continues to grow, currently holding its lengthiest season ever with 22 events, World Superbike has maintained a steady calendar of around 12 races after losing the Indonesian and Argentinian rounds in recent seasons. Oliveira views this shorter schedule as beneficial, especially given his role as a father.
In life, you always try to aim to have the best of everything,
Oliveira stated.
He explained the challenges of balancing family life and racing commitments early as a parent, emphasizing the sacrifices made both financially and personally. Oliveira highlighted the supportive role played by his partner and contrasted the economic realities between riders and their mechanics’ families.
Sometimes you try to understand ‘Is it really worth it to miss that much time away from my kids, from my wife,’ and then you start to realise that maybe with a little bit less money and much less races I can be happier.
Oliveira further reflected on the demands of a busy schedule:
If you try to look at your life as a whole, 25 races is not ideal but if it’s really what you want to do then you need to be 100 per cent sure.
Implications for Oliveira and World Superbike
Oliveira’s acquisition of Marron as his crew chief marks a significant development for his debut in WorldSBK, potentially providing the experienced technical leadership of a two-time WorldSBK champion’s former crew chief. This switch highlights the impact rider movements can have on team dynamics and personnel within competitive motorcycle racing.
The adaptation to World Superbike’s manageable schedule also aligns with Oliveira’s personal priorities, suggesting he values the balance between professional ambition and family life. As the 2026 WorldSBK season approaches, attention will focus on how this crew chief switch influences Oliveira’s performance and adjustment to the championship.
