Marco Bezzecchi
Following confirmation that Miguel Oliveira will ride for BMW in the 2026 World SuperBikes championship in an unplanned seat swap with Toprak Razgatlioglu, Jack Miller has reacted to the departure of his Pramac teammate.
After Razgatlioglu’s switch to MotoGP with Pramac was confirmed in June, it became clear that either Jack Miller or Miguel Oliveira would lose their seat for the upcoming 2026 season.
Neither rider has impressed with their performances on the sub-optimal Yamaha factory bike as the duo currently languish in the bottom half of the riders’ standings, with Miller 18th and Oliveira 21st.
In the end, Miller was chosen to stay on for another season in the premier class due to his previous experience atop a V4-powered bike, the same engine layout that Yamaha are currently in the midst of developing in a bid to restore their competitiveness.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Jack Miller from net worth to wife
Jack Miller sends a heartfelt message to his departing Pramac teammate Miguel Oliveira
Oliveira had “accepted” his MotoGP fate well before the news that Yamaha would be extending Miller’s contract was announced.
Despite having a contract for next year, the Portuguese rider had “assumed” he would be leaving the team before his Australian counterpart due to his difficulties in staying fit over the last few years.
Speaking to journalists ahead of the Indonesian Grand Prix weekend, Miller praised his teammate and offered a sincere message to Oliveira ahead of his departure from Pramac at the end of the season.
Via Fox Sports Australia, the 30-year-old said, “It’s sad to see Miguel go, he’s a fantastic rider and still has a fantastic level, but that’s the way it goes sometimes here.
“I believe he can be ultra-competitive over there, and I will be watching with a very keen eye.”
Given Miller’s love for anything with two wheels, there is no doubt that he will be keeping an eye on his former sparring partner. Journalist Peter Bom recently described Miller as an “old school rider who knows way too much about motorbikes”.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Miguel Oliveira from net worth to wife
Miguel Oliveira will be riding for BMW in the World SuperBikes championship next year
In an ironic turn of events, Oliveira will be replacing the same rider in World SuperBikes who is taking his seat at Pramac.
Razgatlioglu, who is currently leading the 2025 WSBK standings, is a two-time champion in the category and is two rounds away from making it a third.
In his statement to the official site of WSBK, Oliveira said, “To join the BMW family in WorldSBK is an exciting step in my career, one in which I see tremendous potential.
“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.”
The Portuguese rider will race alongside former MotoGP rider Danilo Petrucci for the German constructor, and Petrucci has already offered some advice to Razgatlioglu ahead of his debut in MotoGP next year.
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