Portuguese rider Miguel Oliveira has set the MotoGP world buzzing after revealing that big news about his future will arrive soon. Following a difficult season with Prima Pramac Racing, Yamaha’s satellite outfit, Oliveira confirmed that he will not remain with the team for the 2026 campaign. His cryptic comments have sparked speculation about a potential move to the World Superbike Championship (WSBK) or another dramatic career shift. For a rider who has already proven himself in MotoGP with multiple victories, this moment could mark a turning point in his racing journey.

Oliveira Confirms He Will Leave Pramac

After the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi, where he finished in 14th place, Oliveira was asked directly about his plans for next year. The 29-year-old, who has been a fixture in the premier class since 2019, gave a simple but powerful answer: “Next week.” His short response confirmed that he has already decided on his next move, though he is keeping the details under wraps for now.

The confirmation that he will not continue with Pramac Yamaha adds more intrigue. Pramac only switched from Ducati machinery to Yamaha equipment in 2025, and the transition has been difficult for both riders. Oliveira, in particular, has struggled to adapt to the M1 package, which has been uncompetitive compared to Ducati and Aprilia bikes. His decision to move on suggests that he may be looking for a fresh challenge beyond the Yamaha project.

A Difficult Season with Yamaha

Oliveira’s first season with Pramac Yamaha has been far from easy. Despite his skill and experience, the Portuguese rider has found himself consistently outside the fight for podiums. The M1 has lacked acceleration and top speed compared to its rivals, and although Yamaha has worked hard to close the gap, the satellite team has not been able to deliver results.

At Motegi, Oliveira highlighted the challenges of the race:

“It was a race with a better start than yesterday,” he explained. “Thanks to Ogura’s absence I started on the right-hand side. I had a great start, but when braking hard, I remembered what happened with Martín in the sprint, so I tried to anticipate more, move to the left, and go inside. That’s what I could do.”

He added that overtaking was extremely difficult and managing tire performance remained a major issue:

“It was very hard to overtake. Very hard to keep the front tire temperature low. As I’ve said in many races, we do almost everything with the front tire: braking, turning, entry. We use the rear tire very little. This was a race where we did everything possible.”

Looking Ahead to Indonesia

Next up on the calendar is the Indonesian Grand Prix at Mandalika, a circuit that holds fond memories for Oliveira. He famously won the rain-soaked 2022 race there while riding for KTM, delivering one of his most memorable career performances. The Portuguese rider hopes the track’s natural grip levels can help him overcome the Yamaha’s weaknesses this time around.

“This will be a tough Grand Prix,” Oliveira admitted. “We use thinner casings on the tires, with much less grip, which has been very difficult for us this year. But it’s usually a circuit with naturally high grip, so maybe we can overcome those difficulties a little bit.”

Speculation Over a Move to World Superbikes

With Oliveira’s departure from Pramac now confirmed, the big question is where he will land next. Rumors have linked him strongly to a move to the World Superbike Championship (WSBK). For a rider of his technical ability and smooth riding style, the switch could make sense. Many MotoGP alumni, including Alvaro Bautista and Scott Redding, have found success in Superbikes after leaving the premier class.

Superbike machinery, with fewer electronics and a closer connection to production-based bikes, could suit Oliveira’s adaptability. His experience across multiple manufacturers in MotoGP — KTM, Aprilia, and Yamaha — has shown that he is versatile and capable of getting the most out of any package.

Still, a move away from MotoGP would be a bold decision. At just 29 years old, Oliveira is still in the prime of his career, and many fans feel he deserves another chance with a more competitive team before leaving the premier class.

A Career of Ups and Downs

Miguel Oliveira’s journey in MotoGP has been filled with both triumphs and frustrations. After making his debut with KTM Tech3 in 2019, he quickly established himself as a race-winning talent. His two victories in 2020, including a stunning last-corner win in Styria, announced him as a rider to watch.

In 2021 and 2022, Oliveira added more victories with KTM, proving his ability to thrive in difficult conditions. He became known as a rain master, capable of handling treacherous wet tracks better than most of his rivals.

However, inconsistency and KTM’s development struggles often held him back. A switch to Aprilia’s satellite team RNF in 2023 showed promise, but injuries and reliability issues limited his progress. His move to Yamaha’s new Pramac project in 2025 was supposed to be a fresh start, but instead, it turned into one of the most challenging seasons of his career.

What Does the Future Hold?

If Oliveira does switch to World Superbikes, it would mark a new chapter in his racing story. Competing in WSBK could allow him to fight for wins and titles again, rather than battling at the back of the MotoGP grid. It would also expand his legacy as one of Portugal’s greatest motorcycle racers, proving his versatility across multiple championships.

On the other hand, there is still a possibility he could remain in MotoGP if a suitable seat opens up. With the constant reshuffling of line-ups, opportunities may arise at independent teams or even as a development rider for a factory squad.

A Defining Moment in His Career

For now, Oliveira is keeping fans in suspense with his promise of an announcement “next week.” Whatever he reveals, it will likely be one of the most important decisions of his career. After years of ups and downs in MotoGP, the Portuguese star stands at a crossroads.

If he stays, he will need the right project to reignite his competitive edge. If he leaves for Superbikes, he could become a championship contender and redefine his career outside MotoGP. Either way, the next step promises to be dramatic.

One thing is certain: Miguel Oliveira is not done writing his story in motorsport. Whether in MotoGP or WSBK, his talent, intelligence, and determination will ensure he continues to make headlines.

Conclusion

Miguel Oliveira’s confirmation that he will leave Pramac Yamaha has sent shockwaves through the MotoGP paddock. His hint of “big news next week” has fueled speculation of a bold move to World Superbikes, though his next chapter remains unconfirmed. After a difficult season, the Portuguese rider appears ready for a fresh start, and fans eagerly await his announcement.

With five MotoGP wins to his name and a reputation as one of the most talented riders of his generation, Oliveira’s next move could reshape his legacy. Whether he stays in MotoGP or embarks on a new challenge, one thing is clear: Miguel Oliveira is preparing for a career twist that could change everything.