Miguel Oliveira, the Pramac Yamaha rider, will be absent from this weekend’s Spanish MotoGP at Jerez as he continues to recover from an unusual shoulder injury. This marks the third consecutive event that Oliveira is missing, following a sternoclavicular dislocation resulting from a collision with rookie Fermín Aldeguer during a Sprint race in Argentina. The injury has been described by Oliveira as “a very rare injury,” involving the separation of the sternum and clavicle. Initially expecting a broken collarbone, he acknowledged the complexity of the injury and stressed the need for a cautious recovery process.
Oliveira revealed that the injury involved a “complete tear of the tendons… But there is no way you can speed up a tendon reattachment or create scar tissue.” The latest medical evaluations have shown progress in Oliveira’s shoulder condition, but doctors have advised patience as full fitness has not yet been restored. The Pramac team released a statement confirming these developments, noting that despite positive signs, Oliveira is still not fit to compete.
In his absence, Yamaha Factory test rider Augusto Fernandez will fill in, continuing his role from the previous COTA and Qatar rounds. Originally slated to race at Jerez as part of Yamaha’s wild-card entries, Fernandez will now ride under Pramac colors. Hot off a private Yamaha test at Valencia, where the factory’s V4 prototype was reportedly on track, Fernandez is poised to represent Yamaha effectively in Oliveira’s stead.
The implications of Oliveira’s absence are significant, not only for his team but also for his personal aspirations this season. His recovery remains a priority, and the team is hopeful for a comeback when full fitness is achieved. Meanwhile, Fernandez’s involvement provides him a valuable opportunity to showcase his skills on the competitive MotoGP stage, offering Yamaha a reliable substitute during these critical races.
