Aprilia’s Interest in Miguel Oliveira: A Potential MotoGP Collaboration
Aprilia is currently exploring the possibility of enhancing its MotoGP testing roster by bringing Miguel Oliveira on board for the upcoming season. However, this move hinges on the approval of his new employer, BMW. Following the loss of his seat with Pramac Racing for the 2026 season, Oliveira accepted an offer from BMW to join its World Superbike Championship (WSBK) team, where he will pair up with fellow former MotoGP competitor, Danilo Petrucci.
Oliveira’s Decision to Join BMW
Miguel Oliveira’s journey took a significant turn when he opted for a role in WSBK. Despite receiving an offer from Aprilia to contribute to the development of its RS-GP motorcycle, his ambition to compete in races led him to accept the position with BMW. This decision illustrates Oliveira’s desire to be actively engaged in racing rather than taking on a solely testing role.
Aprilia’s Continued Interest
Even with Oliveira’s commitment to BMW, Aprilia has not lost sight of the potential for collaboration. The Noale-based team is keen on signing him for the 2026 season, contingent on BMW’s approval for Oliveira to juggle both roles. The current situation has placed Aprilia in a challenging position, especially with Jorge Martin sidelined for a significant portion of 2025 due to injuries. Lorenzo Savadori stepped in for ten races, but the team has still experienced a shortage of available test riders. Furthermore, Ai Ogura’s recent absence from the last two rounds due to a hand injury has compounded these challenges.
Insights from Massimo Rivola
Massimo Rivola, the CEO of Aprilia Racing, expressed the team’s predicament while highlighting Oliveira’s potential as a valuable asset. "I would prefer to have a bit more luck in crashes, but if these are the statistics maybe we need some more [riders]," Rivola remarked during an event in Indonesia. He acknowledged that Savadori had participated in tests but was primarily occupied with racing duties.
When asked about the possibility of Oliveira joining the Aprilia team, Rivola indicated that they would be open to it but emphasized the necessity of consulting BMW first. "Since he signed with BMW, we need to ask BMW first. From our side, [we would be happy], we will see," he stated, reflecting the complexities of inter-team negotiations.
Oliveira’s Willingness to Explore Options
Since his contract with BMW was announced, Oliveira has been receptive to the idea of balancing his commitments in WSBK with a testing role in MotoGP. The 30-year-old rider has previously collaborated with Aprilia, having raced for its satellite team, RNF Racing/Trackhouse, during the 2023-2024 seasons. His familiarity with the brand could facilitate a smoother transition back into the MotoGP testing environment.
When Rivola expressed openness to hiring Oliveira next year, the Portuguese rider confirmed his interest in pursuing this opportunity, provided that all parties could come to a mutually beneficial agreement. "Yeah, for me, it’s an option," Oliveira stated. "For sure, it would be something to see with BMW first." He acknowledged the importance of prioritizing racing while also recognizing Aprilia’s desire to maximize his contributions to testing, which would require careful coordination of schedules.
Navigating the Honda Opportunity
In addition to his ongoing negotiations with Aprilia and BMW, Oliveira faced a pivotal moment when Marc Marquez announced his departure from Honda with a year remaining on his contract at the end of 2023. Honda quickly approached Oliveira to fill the vacancy, indicating their interest in his talent.
However, Oliveira’s existing contract with Trackhouse for the 2024 season, combined with Honda’s offer of only a one-year deal, led him to decline the opportunity. Instead, Luca Marini, then a rider for VR46, accepted Honda’s initial offer and has since benefited from the brand’s recent resurgence in performance.
When asked whether he regretted passing up the chance to join Honda two years ago, Oliveira confidently stated, "No, I don’t feel that [way]." He elaborated on his decision, explaining that when he received the HRC contract, it was for just one year. At that time, he was under contract with Aprilia and believed that breaking an existing contract for a short-term opportunity could harm his professional relationships. "I needed at least a two-year contract, which they didn’t offer me," he added. Ultimately, Oliveira’s commitment to integrity and long-term planning guided his choice to remain with Trackhouse.
Looking Ahead: The Future of MotoGP and WSBK
As the MotoGP landscape continues to evolve, the intersection between the two racing series provides intriguing possibilities for riders like Oliveira. The potential for a dual role could set a precedent for future collaborations between manufacturers and riders, allowing talent to flourish across different platforms.
Oliveira’s experience in both MotoGP and WSBK positions him uniquely to contribute valuable insights into motorcycle development, performance optimization, and competitive strategy. His ability to navigate the demands of both racing formats could also inspire other riders to consider similar paths, fostering a more interconnected racing community.
Conclusion
In summary, Aprilia’s interest in Miguel Oliveira highlights the complexities of modern motorcycle racing. The ongoing discussions between Aprilia, BMW, and Oliveira reflect the intricate web of relationships that define the sport. As the 2026 season approaches, fans and participants alike will be watching closely to see how these negotiations unfold and what impact they may have on the future of both MotoGP and WSBK. The evolving dynamics of rider contracts, team strategies, and performance aspirations will undoubtedly shape the narrative of competitive motorcycle racing in the years to come.
