Miguel Oliveira admits he doesn’t know find out how to clarify the feelings heading into his closing dwelling MotoGP weekend at Portimao.
The 30-year-old has been a grand prix rider since 2011, shifting to MotoGP in 2019, the 12 months earlier than Portimao joined the calendar.
Oliveira dominated the primary Portuguese MotoGP in 2020 with Tech3, though the victory got here behind closed doorways as a result of Covid restrictions.
He left KTM with 5 MotoGP wins, however has been absent from the rostrum throughout injury-hit seasons with RNF/Trackhouse Aprilia and, this 12 months, Pramac Yamaha.
With double World Superbike champion Toprak Razgatlioglu taking up Oliveira’s seat for 2026, the Portuguese will change the opposite means and be a part of the manufacturing unit BMW group.
“It is particular as a result of I do know it’ll most likely be my final time racing a MotoGP in Portimao, but it surely’s not the final time I am racing in Portimao,” Oliveira mentioned of this weekend.
“So I do not even know find out how to clarify the feelings, as a result of it is not an finish, but it surely’s most likely the final time I will race a MotoGP there.
“It provides a particular feeling to it. It is a totally different chapter, for certain.”
Oliveira will likely be again at Portimao for spherical two of the 2026 World Superbike season, adopted by one other dwelling look at Estoril in October.
“It’s not a retirement type of feeling,” he added. “It would not really feel like a goodbye utterly. I do not know if that is unrealistic from my aspect or not! However it’s simply the way it feels. So undoubtedly unusual.”
Oliveira – who has a finest end of ninth this season – is hoping to maintain the door ajar on a doable MotoGP return by combining Aprilia testing duties together with his WorldSBK commitments.
Nonetheless, an settlement to assist the Italian producer put together for the brand new 850cc engine guidelines and Pirelli tyres has not but been reached.
Oliveira will race on Pirelli rubber in WorldSBK subsequent 12 months, earlier than the manufacturing bike championship switches to Michelin – the present MotoGP tyre provider – in 2027.
