The Portuguese rider Miguel Oliveira (KTM) believes he is “prepared to compete for the top positions” at the Aragón MotoGP Grand Prix, the 15th round of the season, which takes place this weekend.
In statements made public by his press office, Miguel Oliveira assured that the KTM RC16 became more competitive after the tests carried out a week ago in Misano (San Marino).
“After the tests I ended up being quite fast and I ended up finding, with the parts we have, a more competitive set-up. Aragón has always been a track where, from one year to the next, we always lose a little more grip, and it’s always a challenge to get here and get the bike ready to go fast. But I think that this year, with the experience we already have, there is the possibility of having a very competitive race. I leave everything open. I come prepared to compete for the top places”, underlined the Portuguese rider.
Miguel Oliveira also pointed out “the wind” as an added difficulty that the pilots will face.
“The temperature will be quite normal. Perhaps the factor to take into account is the wind. It will be a little stronger in the mornings. We have to adapt to these conditions”, stressed Miguel Oliveira.
The Costa da Caparica runner recalled that the Aragonese track is characterized by a fast entry but with curves.
“In this circuit we spend a lot of time leaning on the bike, we have very fast entry corners. We have to take these factors into account and find a good compromise between the bike and what we can do”, he pointed out.
Miguel Oliveira also referred to his departure from KTM at the end of the season, stating that his current teammates wish him the best for the future.
“From the beginning, everyone was sad and happy at the same time. Sad to leave the project, but happy for the decision I made for the future. Everyone works hard so that everything goes well in the future, because the relationship built over the years is very solid and very good, with everyone in the team”, he guaranteed.
The Portuguese driver has, at this point, the ambition to climb positions in the league table.
“For this year the objective is clear, we want to compete for positions within the top-10 of the championship. We are close and we believe a lot in the potential we have, so in these three races in a row we can give a good solidity in the points and go up a bit”, he admitted.
Miguel Oliveira now faces three consecutive races, in Aragón, Japan and Thailand, during the next three weeks.
The Portuguese driver admits that it will be a physical challenge, especially in Thailand.
“These are three tough races, because we are going to finish here in Aragón and we will have a very long trip to Japan, where we will compete in the Motegi race and then we will travel a few more hours to Thailand, where again there will be accumulated wear and tear in the third week and in a harsher environment, with heat and humidity,” he explained.
The Portuguese runner will have, during the weekend, the support of his wife and daughter, whom he considers “psychologically well”.
Miguel Oliveira arrives at this 15th round of the season in 11th position in the championship, with 90 points.
Source: Observadora
