Oliveira on MotoGP ‘rockets’ vs Superbikes: “You can’t compare them!”

After 15 years in the GP paddock, Miguel Oliveira moved to the World Superbike Championship in 2026. The 31-year-old rides a BMW M1000RR in the production-based world championship. Toprak Razgatlioglu won the world title in 2024 and 2025 on the German bike.

Oliveira competed in MotoGP from 2019 to 2025, riding bikes from KTM, Aprilia and Yamaha. This year, he had to make the switch to Superbike. Which does he enjoy more – the MotoGP bike or the Superbike? “It depends. If you’re fast on both, then both are a lot of fun,” emphasised Oliveira. “There’s no clear preference, because the Superbike is also a motorbike that’s great fun. But they’re so different – you can’t really compare them.”

The MotoGP rockets are prototypes – with around 300 PS, sophisticated aerodynamics and packed full of electronics. Superbikes, on the other hand, are modified production motorbikes. They, too, feature sophisticated electronics. The aerodynamics, however, are kept very simple and the engine output is around 250 PS. Whilst steel brake discs are fitted in the Superbike World Championship, MotoGP relies on carbon. Incidentally: from 2027, carbon-ceramic brakes will be introduced in the Superbike World Championship.

More movement in a Superbike

A MotoGP bike is also much stiffer than a Superbike, where a lot more movement is noticeable. “The movement comes more from the tyres. But it’s true that the Superbike moves about a bit more. Unlike the MotoGP bike, it requires a different approach,” explained Oliveira.

In 2027, many things will change in MotoGP – that’s when the new regulations come into force. Alongside a reduction in engine capacity from 1,000 to 850 cc, all systems for adjusting ride height (devices) will be scrapped. On top of that, aerodynamics will be simplified. Perhaps the biggest change will be the switch from Michelin to Pirelli tyres. In the World Superbike Championship, it’s the other way round – there, the switch will be from Pirelli to Michelin in 2027.

Topic of the week

Topic of the week: Aprilia comeback? The truth is: Aprilia never went away!

Four weeks ago, Aprilia headed into the summer break from Germany with a badly injured Marco Bezzecchi. The response came from the heart of British motor racing: ‘Together we are strong!’

Thomas Kuttruf

Read more

TV program

Live

Aragon: International Livestream

MotoGP World Championship

28.08.2026 - 08:55

Michelin will take over in the Superbike World Championship at the first pre-season test for the 2027 season, which will take place immediately after the season finale on 22 and 23 October in Jerez. In early June 2026, the Superbike stars had the opportunity to test the French tyres at MotorLand Aragón. Miguel Oliveira was absent from that session due to injury. “I haven’t tested the Michelin tyres yet – I haven’t had the chance. But it will certainly be very different,” he said.

Oliveira will have that opportunity on 9 and 10 September, when the French manufacturer conducts another test at the Cremona Circuit.