Aprilia interested in strengthening its MotoGP test line-up miguel olivera next year, but he says such a move would require the blessing of his new employer BMW.
After losing his Pramac MotoGP seat for 2026, Oliveira accepted an offer from the German manufacturer to join their World Superbike Championship team as a factory rider, and teamed up with fellow ex-MotoGP rider. Danilo Petrucci,
The Portuguese was also offered a testing role with Aprilia to help develop their RS-GP, but “the desire to compete” led him to choose WSBK.
Nevertheless, the Noailles-based marque remains interested in his services for 2026 and would like to sign him if BMW allows the dual role.
with george martin Out for most of 2025 due to injuries Lorenzo Savadori Having stepped into 10 races, Aprilia has faced a shortage of test riders this season. Aye Ogura He has also been absent from the last two rounds due to a hand injury.
“I would love to have a little more luck in the crashes, but if these are the figures then maybe we need a few more (riders),” Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola said in Indonesia. “This year, Sava did some testing but he was running (most of the time).
“If you want to ask me about Miguel Oliveira, if there’s a chance, we’ll take a chance. As of now, I don’t know.”
Asked whether Oliveira representing two rival motorcycle brands could cause problems, Rivola said: “Since he signed with BMW, we have to ask BMW first. From our side, (we would be happy to), we will see.”
Massimo Rivola, Team Principal Aprilia Racing
Photo by: Alexander Triinitz
Since announcing his contract with BMW last month, Oliveira is set to combine his racing commitments in WSBK with a testing role in MotoGP.
Additionally, the 30-year-old already has experience working with Aprilia, having raced for its satellite team RNF Racing/Trackhouse between 2023-24.
When Rivola was told he was open to hiring him next year, Oliveira reiterated that he was interested in the opportunity if all parties could reach an agreement.
“Yes, for me, it’s an option,” he said. “Definitely, it will be something worth seeing for the first time with a BMW.
“Of course the priority will be to race, but how can things actually be done in terms of the calendar, because I would also understand that Aprilia would want to take full advantage of me testing their bikes, and not just jump on the bike occasionally in my spare time.
“So, it’s not easy to create a schedule that works for everyone.”
Honda has no regrets about missing the opportunity
after mark marquez Having announced his decision to leave Honda at the end of 2023 with one year remaining on his contract, Oliveira was one of the first riders contacted to fill the vacancy.
However, as Oliveira had already signed with Trackhouse for 2024 and Honda was only willing to give him a one-year deal, he decided to remain with the American team.
Re-VR46 Rider Luca Marini Oliveira ultimately accepted the one-year contract initially offered, and the Sakura-based marque has benefited from a recent surge in performance.
Asked if he had any regrets about turning down Honda’s offer two years ago, Oliveira said:
“No, I dont think so.
“Two years ago when I was offered an HRC contract, it was for one year. I had a contract with Aprilia for that season and I told them I couldn’t break the (existing) contract for a one-year contract because I would damage the relationship.
“I needed at least a two-year contract, which they didn’t give me.
“Anyway, it wasn’t in my character to break the deal just for a change of location, and so I didn’t see the possibility of going there.”
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