Miguel Oliveira announces switch to World Superbikes with BMW

BMW’s factory World Superbike (WorldSBK) team will feature an all-new rider lineup for 2026, with Miguel Oliveira to make his debut in the category. The 30-year-old from Almada in Portugal will join Danilo Petrucci at the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, with the new pairing replacing Michael van der Mark and MotoGP-bound Toprak Razgatlioglu.

While Petrucci’s position with ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK was announced in August, Oliveira’s signing came at the end of September, dashing any hopes that van der Mark would keep his seat with the factory team for a sixth season. However, BMW Motorrad says the Dutchman may be retained for “other projects,” possibly a test rider role, in the future.

“To join the BMW family in the World Superbike Championship is an exciting step in my career, one in which I see tremendous potential,” said Oliveira. “I am becoming part of a project that is not only ambitious and competitive, but has also made a significant impact on both the championship and the motorcycle industry.

“Being involved with a new team, working alongside strong partners and embracing a new championship format gives me great motivation to deliver my very best.

“I want to sincerely thank Sven Blusch, Technical Director Chris Gonschor and Team Principal Shaun Muir for their trust and enthusiasm. I can’t wait to begin this new chapter together.”

Oliveira will make his WorldSBK debut after 15 years in the Grand Prix paddock, seven of which were spent in MotoGP with KTM, Aprilia and Yamaha teams. A runner-up in both the Moto3 and Moto2 World Championships, Oliveira’s best championship placing in MotoGP has been ninth, achieved in 2020 with Red Bull KTM Tech3.

Along with his five race wins in MotoGP (all achieved with KTM’s RC16), Oliveira has three additional podiums, two fastest laps and one pole position in the premier class. His 2023 and 2024 seasons with Aprilia were interrupted by injury, although he did finish second in the Sprint at the German GP. Oliveira’s switch to Prima Pramac Racing for the 2025 season has been disappointing, with a best race finish on the YZR-M1 of ninth at time of writing.

“We are very happy to welcome Miguel Oliveira as a new factory rider for our ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team,” said Sven Blusch, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport.

“Miguel has impressively proven throughout his career that he belongs to the most talented and versatile riders of his generation. With victories in all three Grand Prix classes, including five in MotoGP, he brings valuable experience and a high level of professionalism to our project.”