The rider market across World Superbike (WorldSBK) and MotoGP is undergoing a major shake-up, and at the center of this transition is Miguel Oliveira. The Portuguese star, who has enjoyed a successful but often turbulent career in MotoGP, is now strongly linked with a switch to BMW in WorldSBK. This move, which seems increasingly likely as his time in MotoGP approaches its conclusion, signals both the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. At the same time, Yamaha is preparing its next steps by targeting Xavi Vierge, while movements in the Supersport World Championship (SSP) continue to take shape with Can Öncü and Ten Kate Racing making important progress.

Miguel Oliveira’s MotoGP Journey

Since making his full-time MotoGP debut in 2019 with KTM’s satellite team, Miguel Oliveira has been one of the most recognizable and respected figures in the paddock. His journey from Moto3 to Moto2 and finally to MotoGP showcased his resilience and adaptability, with standout victories that proved he had the talent to fight at the front when given the right machinery.

Oliveira’s biggest career highlights include multiple race wins for KTM, often achieved in challenging weather conditions where his precise and calculated riding style allowed him to thrive. Nicknamed the “rain master” by many, he was often able to outperform expectations when grip levels dropped and strategy came into play.

However, since his switch to Yamaha machinery with Pramac Racing in 2025, Oliveira has struggled to consistently compete against the likes of Fabio Quartararo, who remains Yamaha’s standout rider. With the factory team prioritizing Quartararo’s development and Pramac adapting to its new role as a Yamaha satellite team, Oliveira has found himself overshadowed. His results, while respectable, no longer reflect the front-running performances he once delivered with KTM.

At 30 years old, Oliveira is at a crossroads. While still highly competitive, the reality of MotoGP’s younger generation, coupled with Yamaha’s long-term focus on Quartararo and its rising talents, has made it increasingly clear that Oliveira’s time in the premier class may be drawing to a close.

BMW’s Ambitions in WorldSBK

For BMW, the prospect of signing Oliveira represents a major opportunity. The German manufacturer has been steadily building its presence in WorldSBK, working to close the gap to Ducati and Kawasaki, who have dominated the series in recent years. Despite consistent efforts, BMW has often lacked the combination of rider experience and consistent performance needed to regularly challenge for wins.

By bringing in a proven MotoGP winner like Oliveira, BMW would gain a rider with not only raw speed but also years of experience against the very best in the world. His technical feedback and calm, analytical approach would be invaluable in refining the BMW M 1000 RR, a machine that has shown flashes of promise but still requires fine-tuning to become a regular podium contender.

Oliveira’s potential arrival would also boost BMW’s global profile in the sport. Portugal has a passionate motorcycle racing fanbase, and his presence could further expand BMW’s reach into southern European markets where WorldSBK enjoys significant popularity.

Yamaha’s Strategy: Targeting Xavi Vierge

While BMW looks to Oliveira, Yamaha is turning its attention to Xavi Vierge, the Spanish rider currently competing in WorldSBK. At 27 years old, Vierge represents exactly the kind of rider Yamaha wants to invest in: young, hungry, adaptable, and with the ability to grow into a long-term asset.

Vierge’s riding style, known for its smoothness and consistency, is well-suited to Yamaha’s philosophy of balancing agility with precision. He has already shown flashes of speed in WorldSBK, and Yamaha sees him as a rider who could anchor their project in the years ahead.

Importantly, Vierge has also been linked with Ducati-backed independent teams Go Eleven and Motocorsa, both of which have proven capable of extracting strong results from their riders. Ducati machinery has been the gold standard in WorldSBK in recent years, making these offers tempting for Vierge. However, Yamaha’s factory support and long-term vision could give them the edge in securing his services.

Vierge’s Career Options

For Xavi Vierge, the decision will be pivotal. Joining Yamaha would give him the chance to be part of a long-term project with factory backing, something every rider values. On the other hand, moving to a competitive Ducati satellite team could provide him with a proven race-winning package in the short term.

His choice will ultimately depend on whether he prioritizes stability and growth with Yamaha or immediate competitiveness with Ducati machinery. Either way, his stock in the rider market is rising, and 2026 could be the year he establishes himself as a true front-runner in WorldSBK.

Öncü and Ten Kate in Supersport

Beyond the movements in MotoGP and WorldSBK, the Supersport World Championship (SSP) is also seeing key developments. Can Öncü, the young Turkish rider, has become a cornerstone of Ten Kate Racing’s project. Despite his youth, Öncü has shown maturity and determination on track, earning respect as one of the brightest prospects in the paddock.

Ten Kate, a team renowned for nurturing future champions, remains fully committed to Öncü’s growth. They see him not only as a potential Supersport champion but also as a rider who could eventually step up to WorldSBK. With the right development, Öncü could follow in the footsteps of other riders who used Supersport as a springboard to top-tier success.

Ten Kate’s investment in Öncü also reflects the importance of long-term planning in modern motorcycle racing. While the spotlight often falls on MotoGP and WorldSBK, the Supersport category remains a vital proving ground for the next generation of stars.

The Bigger Picture: Transition Across the Paddock

The developments involving Oliveira, Vierge, and Öncü highlight a broader theme in motorcycle racing: the constant cycle of transition and renewal. For Miguel Oliveira, the likely move to BMW in WorldSBK represents both an end and a beginning — the conclusion of his MotoGP journey but also the chance to reinvent himself in a new environment.

For Yamaha, targeting Vierge shows a clear intent to refresh their project with riders capable of delivering consistent results while also aligning with their long-term vision. Meanwhile, Ten Kate’s continued work with Öncü ensures that the Supersport paddock remains an essential part of the rider development ecosystem.

These moves also reflect the increasing interconnectedness of MotoGP, WorldSBK, and SSP. Riders now transition more fluidly between categories, and manufacturers view all three as part of a broader talent and technology pipeline. As a result, decisions made in one championship often ripple across the others, creating dynamic shifts in the global racing landscape.

Conclusion

The 2025-2026 rider market is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory. Miguel Oliveira’s likely move to BMW signals the final stages of a remarkable MotoGP career and the beginning of a new challenge in WorldSBK. Xavi Vierge’s future, whether with Yamaha or Ducati-linked teams, could determine the competitive balance in the Superbike paddock for years to come. And with Can Öncü continuing his development under Ten Kate, the future of Supersport looks equally promising.

As these moves unfold, fans can expect dramatic announcements in the coming months. For Oliveira, this could be the chance to rediscover success and write a new chapter in his career. For Yamaha and BMW, it’s about securing the right riders to deliver on ambitious projects. And for the sport as a whole, it’s another reminder that motorcycle racing is always evolving, always renewing, and always preparing for the next wave of talent and competition.