Aprilia Pursues Miguel Oliveira for MotoGP Test Rider Role Amidst BMW WSBK Commitment
Aprilia is actively pursuing Miguel Oliveira for a MotoGP test rider position in 2026, despite his recent commitment to BMW in the World Superbike Championship. This potential collaboration hinges on securing BMW's approval, as Oliveira is currently contracted to race for the German manufacturer. Aprilia's interest stems from a need to strengthen its test team, which has faced challenges due to injuries and concurrent racing duties of its current test riders. Oliveira, who has prior experience with Aprilia's satellite team, has expressed openness to a dual role, provided a practical schedule can be arranged that accommodates both his racing and potential testing responsibilities.
The current landscape of MotoGP testing has presented Aprilia with significant hurdles. With key figures like Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura facing injuries, and Lorenzo Savadori frequently engaged in competitive races, the team has experienced a noticeable deficit in dedicated test riders. This situation has underscored the importance of a robust test squad for vehicle development and optimization. Securing a rider of Oliveira's caliber, with his recent MotoGP experience and adaptability, would provide Aprilia with invaluable insights and accelerate the development of their RS-GP machinery, preparing them for future competitive seasons.
Aprilia's Quest for a Stronger Test Team
Aprilia Racing's CEO, Massimo Rivola, has openly acknowledged the team's interest in Miguel Oliveira, emphasizing the necessity of bolstering their testing capacities, especially in light of the current season's challenges. The team has been particularly impacted by the limited availability of test riders, as injuries to key personnel and racing commitments have created a void in their development program. Oliveira's potential recruitment represents a strategic move for Aprilia to enhance its technical feedback loop and accelerate the evolution of its MotoGP prototypes. The collaboration, however, requires a delicate negotiation with BMW, given Oliveira's new factory rider role in WSBK. This highlights the intricate nature of rider contracts and cross-championship participation in elite motorsport.
The Italian manufacturer's desire to integrate Oliveira into its test program is a testament to his proven experience and adaptability within the MotoGP environment. Having previously competed with an Aprilia-affiliated team, Oliveira possesses an intimate understanding of their machinery, which could significantly streamline the development process. Rivola's statements reflect a proactive approach to addressing the team's testing shortfalls and ensuring competitive readiness. The potential dual role for Oliveira would not only provide Aprilia with a seasoned test rider but also offer him a continued connection to the MotoGP paddock, aligning with his expressed "desire to compete" at the highest level while fulfilling his WSBK commitments.
Oliveira's Perspective and Past Decisions
Miguel Oliveira has consistently shown enthusiasm for combining his World Superbike Championship racing with a MotoGP test role, as long as it aligns with his contractual obligations and allows for a manageable schedule. His willingness to consider Aprilia's offer, despite signing with BMW, underscores his commitment to contributing to high-level motorcycle racing across different disciplines. Oliveira's prior stint with Aprilia's satellite team further reinforces his familiarity with their engineering philosophy and potential to integrate seamlessly into their development efforts. This approach highlights a pragmatic view of his career, balancing the competitive drive of racing with the strategic importance of vehicle development.
Reflecting on a past opportunity with Honda, Oliveira expressed no regrets about declining their one-year contract offer two years prior. He prioritized contractual stability and integrity, choosing to remain with his then-current team, Trackhouse, due to his existing commitment to Aprilia and Honda's short-term proposal. This decision, though it meant passing on a factory ride at the time, demonstrates his strong ethical stance regarding contractual agreements. While Luca Marini eventually took the Honda seat and has seen some recent success with the team, Oliveira's decision was rooted in a principled approach, emphasizing long-term relationships and clear commitments over immediate, potentially fleeting, gains.