WorldSBK, Sportrik Media - Miguel Oliveira has admitted he cannot currently expect more than a position just outside the top 10 after finishing 11th on the opening day of the Phillip Island test ahead of the 2026 World Superbike season.
The Portuguese rider was 1.2 seconds slower than pacesetter Nicolo Bulega on 16 January, underlining the scale of adaptation required as he transitions from a six-year MotoGP career into the production-based championship. Oliveira claimed five grand prix victories during his time in MotoGP, but arrives in WorldSBK following three winless seasons at the end of his premier-class tenure.
However, limited pre-season running has constrained expectations. Two January tests were significantly disrupted by rain, including the Portimao outing that prompted BMW Motorrad to relocate its full programme to Valencia for additional track time. As a result, Oliveira views his current position as a realistic reflection of where he stands.
“What can I expect with no proper pre-season?” Oliveira said in an interview with WorldSBK.com.
“I need more experience and more laps, that’s for sure. The road is upwards, we know that. As long as we are making steps and understanding what is happening underneath me, that’s the most important thing. At the moment, we feel we are doing that, so we’re ticking the boxes to be as ready as we can for the race weekend.”
Oliveira, who finished ahead of team-mate Danilo Petrucci on the opening day, described the session as his first fully productive dry test since initially sampling WorldSBK machinery in November. The focus was primarily on adapting his riding style and implementing baseline set-up changes to improve comfort and feedback from the bike.
“It was a good day. We finally had proper dry running to understand the bike better and start our pre-season in the right way,” he added.
With the 2026 campaign approaching, Oliveira’s priority remains accelerating his learning curve rather than chasing headline lap times. The Phillip Island test suggests that while immediate front-running form may be unrealistic, steady progression and consistency will define the early phase of his WorldSBK transition.
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