Miguel Oliveira won his second race this season, under almost identical latitudes and track conditions each time. Indeed, the Portuguese recorded his first success in Indonesia, on a wet Mandalika track. His second came in Thailand, on a rain-swept Buriram track. This victory taken from 11th place is also the biggest comeback from the starting grid since Jack Miller in Assen in 2016, when he won from 18th place. A Jack Miller who will replace him at KTM in 2023, the same Australian who battled once morest KTM rider Brad Binder in Japan. But the Portuguese now has 5 achievements, all celebrated on the handlebars of the RC16, advises JackAss to make the most of his last moments with Ducati…
When Miguel Oliveira came down from the first step of the Thai podium, the question that was put to him was whether he was not ultimately going to regret this KTM. The one who preferred him for next year a Aprilia where there will be everything to discover replied: “ I don’t know if I will regret it. Only time will tell “. And he added: what is certain is that it will be a big effort for me and Jack to adapt to the new motorcycles He also mentions: I think it will be particularly difficult for Jack Miller, but everyone needs their time. I hope to be able to maximize the potential of my bike next season ».
Miguel Oliveira reveals “ the key to today’s MotoGP »
The nuance made by the Portuguese incites us to ask this other question which is to know if it is not rather KTM who will regret Miguel Oliveira. He is the first pilot to reach 5 victories with KTM in MotoGP. He is the first pilot to reach 7 catwalk with KTM, exceeding 6 of Pol Espargaroleaving Brad Binder third with 4. In Thailand, he allowed KTM to be the 4th mark to reach 7 victories in MotoGP, surpassing Suzuki’s 6 achievements, then following Ducati (69), Yamaha (125) and Honda (156). It is also now the fourth manufacturer to claim at least two victories in three consecutive seasons in the era of MotoGP…
Miguel Oliveira will therefore leave a great void. But doesn’t he release the prey for the shadow all the same? It all depends on how you see things and here is the MotoGP vision of the Portuguese: “ this is definitely a difficult category. You can’t jump on a motorbike and say right off the bat, “That’s way better than my motorbike.” When we’re behind other guys, us riders are quick to say, “Oh, that other guy’s bike is so much better”. But I think we just have to focus on getting the best out of our machine and building a group around us that can help us do that. I think this is the key to today’s MotoGP “. To keep in mind when the 2023 season is in full swing.
