MotoGP Oliveira

Miguel MotoGP Oliveira quits KTM on good terms, but confesses that he “didn’t accomplish what I wanted in terms of results” as he joins Aprilia and RNF for the 2023 MotoGP season. The Portuguese racer made his MotoGP debut with Tech3 KTM in 2019, after finishing second in the Moto2 class with the Austrian manufacturer the previous year.

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From 2020 to 2022, MotoGP Oliveira raced for KTM with the factory team and Tech3, winning five races and finishing tenth in the championship. After being demoted from his factory team seat to make place for Jack Miller and deciding against a return to Tech3, Oliveira will seek sanctuary with RNF Racing next season as it starts its partnership with Aprilia.

Speaking in Valencia at the 2022 season finale, MotoGP Oliveira believes his time with KTM to have been good, although he thinks he has not reached his goals with the company.

“I believe it’s been four good years,” he replied when asked whether he fulfilled his goals with KTM. “Things haven’t gone as smoothly as I would have hoped. 2019 and 2020, with half a season of injuries, will undoubtedly cost us a lot of excellent outcomes. “But I believe the growth was there when I began in 2019 with the altered bike spec that the guys pushed to a decent level.”

“I guess I’ll depart with the impression that I didn’t get the goals I desired.”

“More time would probably be ideal, but things are how they are, and maybe we can go on.” Oliveira chose his first MotoGP Oliveira victory with Tech3 at the 2020 Styrian GP, when he defeated Pol Espargaro and Miller with a last-corner maneuver, as a highlight from his tenure at KTM: “The first win for sure.” The first victory was fantastic. “These two victories this season [in rainy conditions in Indonesia and Thailand] were fantastic.” However, the first victory has the most influence on you.”

Oliveira made his Aprilia debut in the first 2023 pre-season test on Tuesday, after the Valencia Grand Prix, and was the top rider who had switched manufacturers on the timesheets at the conclusion of the day, finishing fourth. When asked by Autosport before his test whether he believed it was time to leave KTM, MotoGP Oliveira said, “The moment is perfect to face another challenge.” That is how I feel.

“As I’ve already said, I’m quite appreciative for the opportunity provided by KTM. So the sense is that it is time to move on to another endeavor.” Raul Fernandez, another KTM exile, will join MotoGP Oliveira at RNF, while Tech3 welcomes back Pol Espargaro and KTM promotes Moto2 champion Augusto Fernandez to be his teammate.