Pramac Yamaha’s Miguel Oliveira has admitted his desire to race in the prestigious Suzuka 8 Hours but missed the opportunity this year after injuries from a collision with rookie Fermin Aldeguer in Argentina forced him out of contention.
Oliveira stepped aside voluntarily, telling Yamaha Racing’s Paulo Pavesio to prioritise other riders if there was any doubt over his fitness. Meanwhile, teammate Jack Miller seized the moment, helping Yamaha’s factory squad to a runner-up finish behind LCR Honda’s Johann Zarco and Takumi Takahashi, who claimed back-to-back wins in the event.
Miller’s strong showing at Suzuka could boost his prospects as he chases a new contract, while Oliveira faces uncertainty over his own 2026 future. Despite signing a two-year deal with Pramac, the second season is conditional, with Yamaha yet to confirm Toprak Razgatlioglu’s teammate for next year.
Oliveira, who has scored just six points this season and remains Yamaha’s lowest-ranked rider, admits every race is now a vital audition as he continues to battle the M1’s rear grip issues ahead of MotoGP’s return in Austria.
