Miguel Oliveira’s Superbike Transition: A Latest Chapter for the Portuguese Racer
Miguel Oliveira is embarking on a new challenge in the 2026 WorldSBK championship, switching from MotoGP to ride a BMW M 1000 RR for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team. After a six-year MotoGP career that included five race wins with KTM, Oliveira is now adapting to a different style of racing and a new machine.
Early Testing Impressions at Phillip Island
The first day of testing at Phillip Island saw Oliveira finish 11th a mere 1.2 seconds behind leader Nicolo Bulega. This placed him as the fastest BMW rider on the day. He started strongly, securing 10th place in the first session, demonstrating a quick adaptation to the Australian circuit. Oliveira acknowledged the importance of these initial sessions for familiarizing himself with the BMW M 1000 RR after limited testing opportunities due to weather conditions at previous test locations.
The Challenges of Switching to Superbike
Oliveira recognizes the significant adjustment required in transitioning from MotoGP to WorldSBK. He emphasizes the need to adapt his riding style and fine-tune the bike’s setup to maximize performance. He’s aware that, given the limited pre-season testing, a top-ten finish at this stage is a realistic expectation. He’s focused on understanding the bike’s behavior and making incremental improvements.
The adaptation isn’t without its lighter moments. Oliveira shared a lighthearted message on social media, noting the novelty of having the “German office” (BMW team) transported to Australia, suggesting a positive team atmosphere despite the challenges.
BMW’s Perspective and Oliveira’s Teammate
Oliveira’s performance is being closely monitored within the BMW team. He finished ahead of his teammate, Danilo Petrucci, in both sessions, indicating a promising start to their collaboration. Both riders are new to BMW, adding to the team’s development curve.
What to Expect from Oliveira in WorldSBK
Oliveira is realistic about his expectations for the 2026 season. He anticipates a learning curve and acknowledges that he needs more experience and track time to fully unlock the potential of the BMW M 1000 RR. His primary focus is on consistently improving and understanding the bike’s characteristics.
He’s aiming to make steady progress and “tick the boxes” to be as prepared as possible for the race weekend. He understands that immediate success might be challenging, but he’s committed to building a strong foundation for future performance.
Did you know?
Miguel Oliveira secured his first and second MotoGP wins although riding for KTM’s satellite team, KTM Tech3.
FAQ
Q: What championship is Miguel Oliveira competing in now?
A: He is now competing in the WorldSBK championship.
Q: What team is Miguel Oliveira riding for?
A: He is riding for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team.
Q: What was Oliveira’s position at the end of the first day of testing at Phillip Island?
A: He finished 11th, 1.2 seconds behind the leader.
Q: What bike is Miguel Oliveira riding?
A: He is riding a BMW M 1000 RR.
Q: What was Oliveira’s best result in Moto2?
A: He finished as runner-up in the 2018 Moto2 World Championship.
Q: What was Oliveira’s best result in Moto3?
A: He finished as runner-up in the 2015 Moto3 World Championship.
Q: How many wins does Miguel Oliveira have in MotoGP?
A: He has 5 wins in MotoGP.
Pro Tip: Maintain an eye on Oliveira’s progress throughout the season as he adapts to the Superbike class. His experience in MotoGP could prove invaluable as he learns the nuances of this new championship.
Stay updated with the latest WorldSBK news and results on the official WorldSBK website.
What are your predictions for Miguel Oliveira’s performance in WorldSBK? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
