Miguel Oliveira has not ruled out the chance to undertake a MotoGP test role in 2026, even as he prepares to race in World Superbike (WSBK) next season. This development emerges after Oliveira lost his MotoGP seat at Pramac Yamaha, a situation that prompted him to sign a one-year contract with the factory BMW team in WSBK.
The Portuguese rider’s MotoGP exit was triggered by Pramac Yamaha’s decision to extend Jack Miller’s contract and bring in Toprak Razgatlioglu, leaving no room for Oliveira on their grid. Ahead of the Indonesian Grand Prix, Oliveira acknowledged the possibility of staying connected to MotoGP through testing, with Aprilia reportedly interested if scheduling permits.
Potential Return to MotoGP Via Testing with Aprilia
Oliveira addressed rumors about a potential test rider position saying,
“I don’t want to say goodbye yet, because there is this slight – maybe remote – chance, but who knows what could be possible in terms of the calendar,”
highlighting that the future remains open.
He further explained the advantages such an opportunity would provide:
“It [would be] a huge improvement for me as a rider to still be in touch with the GP bike. It can definitely help me to stay in shape for the WSBK. Even though it’s a different bike, it has a lot of tools and skills you can develop for the current season – and benefit from that.”
Aprilia’s Limited Testing Resources Impact Development
This year, Aprilia’s ability to accumulate development miles has been hindered by limited rider availability. Key riders like Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura have suffered injuries, sidelining them during crucial periods, including the upcoming Mandalika event. Additionally, for the 2025 season, Aprilia has relied mainly on a single test rider, Lorenzo Savadori, who has had to substitute at various races due to these absences.
Choosing Competition Over Testing: Oliveira’s Priorities
Oliveira confirmed that Aprilia had offered him a test rider contract before he accepted BMW’s WSBK deal but emphasized his passion for racing as the deciding factor. He stated,
“The decisive factor for me was the desire to compete. That fire is still very much on, and the only way I could do it was in World Superbike. So, what I tried to do was to look for the best competitive tools to do it. BMW felt like the right option for me.”
Keeping MotoGP Racing Ambitions Alive Despite Move to WSBK
Despite shifting focus to World Superbike, Oliveira remains reluctant to firmly close the chapter on his MotoGP career. He remarked,
“I don’t say the ultimate goal is to come back. But for sure I leave the door open because MotoGP has been my life for the past 15 years of my racing career. So you don’t close the door and lock it completely, you know? There’s a door open for sure. And who knows what the future can hold for me if things go well in Superbike.”
Additional MotoGP Riders Transitioning to World Superbike
Oliveira’s move to WSBK this week coincided with news that Somkiat Chantra, currently with LCR Honda, will become a factory rider for Honda’s WSBK squad. Chantra, whose rookie MotoGP season with Lucio Cecchinello’s satellite team has been difficult, was already aware that he would lose his 2026 seat to Diogo Moreira.
The agreement ensures that Chantra remains within the Honda family, joining Jake Dixon, another Moto2 race winner, in the factory World Superbike lineup. This reshuffling reflects broader changes as riders adjust their trajectories between MotoGP and WSBK series.
What Lies Ahead for Oliveira and MotoGP Team Dynamics
Oliveira’s openness to a testing role with Aprilia amid his new WSBK commitment highlights evolving opportunities for riders balancing competitive ambitions with longevity in the sport. Aprilia’s limited test riding resources coupled with Oliveira’s expressed willingness could provide a mutually beneficial arrangement to maintain his MotoGP connection.
As the 2026 season approaches, the integration of former MotoGP racers like Oliveira into WSBK and possible testing roles may influence team strategies and rider development across both championships. Oliveira’s story reflects the tension many riders face in maintaining competitive relevance while adapting to changes in team lineups and contract negotiations.
