It’s official: Miguel Oliveira is leaving MotoGP and heading to the World Superbike Championship. The Portuguese rider, 30, has signed with the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, where he’ll line up alongside Italian teammate Danilo Petrucci.
The move comes after a disappointing season with Prima Pramac in MotoGP, marred by an early injury and lacklustre results. With the team choosing to stick with Jack Miller and bringing in reigning World Superbike champion Toprak Razgatlioglu (a three-time winner of the World Superbike Championship race in the Algarve), Oliveira opted for a fresh start.
“Joining the BMW family in World Superbike is an exciting step in my career, one with tremendous potential,” said Oliveira. “This is a project that is ambitious and competitive, with a big impact on both the championship and the industry. Being part of a new team, working with strong partners and embracing a new format gives me huge motivation to give my very best. I can’t wait to begin this new chapter together.”
BMW has welcomed him with open arms. Sven Blusch, head of the German squad, said that the Portuguese rider has “proven throughout his career that he belongs among the most talented and versatile riders of his generation.
“With wins in all three categories, including five in MotoGP, he brings valuable experience and professionalism to our project. Alongside Danilo Petrucci, he’ll form a strong and competitive pairing. They know each other well,” Blusch added, expressing confidence in the team’s success with the signing of Oliveira. “The whole team is excited to work with him.”
