Miguel Oliveira has stunned the motorsport world by announcing his partnership with Phil Marron, the renowned crew chief, as he prepares for the 2026 World Superbike Championship. This development comes shortly after Toprak Razgatlioglu’s move to MotoGP, raising questions about Marron’s next steps in his career.
Phil Marron’s Unexpected Decision to Stay in World Superbike
Many expected Marron to join Razgatlioglu in MotoGP, given their successful history, which includes leading the rider to two World Superbike titles with Yamaha and BMW. Yet, after the French World Superbike Round, news surfaced that Yamaha opted for Marron to remain in World Superbike, working with the ROKiT BMW Motorrad Team instead of moving up with Razgatlioglu.
Oliveira Confirms Marron as His Crew Chief at Indonesian Grand Prix
The situation became clear during the Indonesian Grand Prix weekend at Mandalika Circuit when Oliveira was asked about his upcoming crew. His reply left no doubt:
Yes, everything indicates that my crew will be Toprak’s crew, yes.
This confirmation signals a significant new alliance, potentially reshaping the dynamics within the 2026 World Superbike Championship.
Upcoming Season and Wider Implications for Toprak Razgatlioglu
As Marron supports Razgatlioglu in his pursuit of a third World Superbike title before moving to MotoGP, Yamaha has decided to appoint Alberto Giribuola as Razgatlioglu’s new MotoGP crew chief. This reshuffling adds intrigue to both riders’ future prospects as the 2026 season approaches.
Anticipation Builds Around Oliveira’s New Partnership
With Oliveira taking on the leadership of Marron’s crew, expectations for the 2026 World Superbike Championship are high. Fans and experts on the track at Mandalika Circuit and beyond are set to witness whether this collaboration can spark a new era of racing excellence, intensifying competition and excitement for the upcoming season.
