Miguel Oliveira is preparing to write an exciting new chapter in his career. In 2025, it will swap its factory contract with Aprilia and TrackHouse for an alliance with Yamaha and Pramac. The Portuguese pilot explains his choice.
The passage of Miguel Oliveira chez
Pramac Yamaha for the 2025 MotoGP season is one of the most intriguing transfers of this new year. After driving for Aprilia TrackHouseOliveira chose to join Yamahaa brand in difficulty but determined to regain its status as a former great power in MotoGP. Here are the reasons and implications of this strategic choice.
Despite the recent struggles of Yamaha – a 2024 season marked by only 124 points in the constructors' championship, a last podium dating from 2023, and an absence of victory since 2022 – Oliveira believes in their long-term potential. He explained his decision in a recent interview, emphasizing his confidence in the historical and technical capabilities of Yamaha :
« It won't be easybecause at the moment their efforts are not reflected in the results.
But this will change in the future. He is a historic builder who, when he decides to fully commit, always ends up succeeding. »
Oliveira see in Yamaha a project to build, and its own experience with builders in transition phase, such as KTM et
Apriliaputs him in the ideal position to help them.
By joining Yamaha via Pramac,
Oliveira brings a wealth of experience gained with several MotoGP brands. He contributed to the development at KTM (Tech3) and Aprilia
(TrackHouse), two relatively young programs in their respective histories. This versatility is a major asset for
Yamahawho will have to catch up with
Ducati et Aprilia.
Oliveira emphasized: “ I know what problems await us. I know we don't just have to take small steps forward. It depends on how quickly Yamaha can bring new things to the track. »
Miguel Oliveira: « I know what problems await us but it's a chance to be a key player in an ambitious project »
With the addition of other experienced drivers like Fabio Quartararo,
Alex Rinset Jack MillerYamaha can capitalize on a diversity of riding styles and technical knowledge.
Oliveira also believes on motorsport-magazin that his own development as a driver is a key factor in this transition: “
I have developed a very different riding style than two years ago. This will help us accelerate progress. »
He believes that this ability to adapt, combined with his enthusiasm for joining a competitive satellite team like
Pramacwill allow it to exploit the full potential of the YZR-M1.
Yamaha has clearly revised its strategy for 2025 by strengthening its workforce with drivers who have driven for several manufacturers. However, technical challenges remain significant.
The bike lacks competitiveness against Ducati's dominant machines and the steady progress ofAprilia et
KTM. Yamaha will need to improve the power and handling of the M1 to compete on fast circuits, develop technical solutions more quickly, relying on rider feedback and maximize the effectiveness of its partnership with Pramaca team recognized for its key role in the development of riders and motorcycles.
The choice ofOliveira to leave
Apriliaa brand with sporadic but promising success, is risky. However, he is motivated by the opportunity to play a central role in Yamaha's rebirth: “ joining a second factory team like Pramac is a great motivation. It's a chance to be a key player in an ambitious project. »
With Miguel OliveiraYamaha is betting on a rider capable of catalyzing the development of their motorcycle and bringing solid results. The preseason in
Malaysia and the first races in
Thailand will provide an overview of the progress made.
And
Yamaha manages to redress the situation, Oliveira could play a key role in their return to the top. Otherwise, this transfer will be seen as a bold but risky bet. Time will tell if
Oliveira made the right choice.
