Oliveira to join new Yamaha-Pramac MotoGP team in 2025

Miguel Oliveira will switch from an Aprilia bike to join the new Yamaha-Pramac team in MotoGP in 2025, the Japanese manufacturer announced on Thursday.

Portuguese Oliveira has signed a deal "for the 2025-26 MotoGP seasons", Yamaha said a day before the San Marino GP weekend gets underway at Misano Adriatico.

The 29-year-old has won five GPs since moving up to the top tier of motorcycle racing in 2019, with his highest championship finish being ninth the following year.

Italian team Pramac, whose rider Jorge Martin is currently leading the standings ahead of reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia, are switching from a Ducati bike to Yamaha.

That will allow Yamaha to strengthen their position on the grid where they have lost serious ground to their rivals in recent years.

Yamaha currently only have two factory bikes competing in MotoGP, significantly fewer than dominant Ducati who have eight including that of two-time champion Bagnaia.

Oliveira's teammate has not been announced but it will not be 2021 champion Fabio Quartararo who will remain with Yamaha's factory team alongside Alex Rins.