Electric Cars

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.

Shane van Gisbergen, a rising star in NASCAR, experienced a frustrating end to what was shaping up to be his best oval performance yet at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Having consistently shown improvement on oval tracks, his race concluded abruptly in a multi-car incident, preventing him from securing a top finish.

Van Gisbergen's Promising Las Vegas Race Derailed by Late Collision

On a momentous day, adorned with a special New Zealand-themed livery, Shane van Gisbergen commenced the Las Vegas race from a commendable 13th position. Throughout the initial stages, the Kiwi driver demonstrated impressive skill, holding his own among seasoned competitors and securing stage points by finishing 12th in Stage 1 and 11th in Stage 3. His consistent performance hinted at a potential career-best finish on an oval track, building on his prior top-ten achievement at Kansas and his fifth road course victory at Charlotte. However, fate intervened with just over 30 laps remaining. Following a significant incident involving William Byron, a strategic decision was made by Van Gisbergen's crew chief, Stephen Doran, to take only two fresh tires, propelling him to sixth place for the restart. This aggressive move, unfortunately, led to a chaotic sequence. As the cars accelerated three-wide, a collision unfolded involving Ty Gibbs and Christopher Bell, who squeezed Van Gisbergen's No. 88 vehicle, triggering a chain reaction. Van Gisbergen's car spun into the track's path, where it was subsequently struck by Austin Dillon, his Trackhouse teammate Ross Chastain, and Carson Hocevar, all unable to avoid the rapidly unfolding incident. The damage was terminal, forcing Van Gisbergen out of the race on Lap 245 of 267, resulting in a disappointing 33rd-place classification. This incident echoed a similar unfortunate event at New Hampshire, where a strong top-ten run was also cut short by a restart collision. The Las Vegas crash involved eleven drivers in total, marking one of the most extensive pileups in the track's history.

The outcome of this race serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of motorsports, where a split-second decision or an unforeseen event can dramatically alter the course of a competition. While the result was undoubtedly disheartening for Shane van Gisbergen and his team, his consistent progress and competitive spirit on oval tracks remain undeniable. This incident, though frustrating, is a part of the steep learning curve in NASCAR, and it will undoubtedly fuel his determination to overcome future challenges and achieve the success he has shown he is capable of.