lex rins won the most beautiful way in austin. However, if we had to choose a “driver of the day” like in Formula 1 (maybe sometime in MotoGP because the impact of this championship is noticeable), Miguel Oliveira would undoubtedly be our favorite. Together, let’s go back to his XXL performance.
i) A new dynamic
For a rookie or any driver who changes stables after being under the same umbrella for a long time, an early-season injury is the worst thing that can happen. Indeed, it was during this crucial period that the first foreign tour, That the first hierarchy is formed. Historically, serious things start in Jerez with the first significant improvements.
You have to control the bike from the start of the season so that you don’t get ahead of the development. Miguel OliveiraHe, like the others, was absent in Argentina and was unable to take advantage of this outing to really assert himself Aprilia.
That is why we are watching his return to the United States with the utmost interest. If he falls again, as he did in the first two races of 2023 (double retirement in Portugal), then we can start asking questions. But the Portuguese proved just the opposite, having one of the best performances of the weekend.
Like the great champions, he completely succeeded in ignoring the lag buildup to create a new dynamic from scratch. This is the first point to remember. Miguel managed to forget three disappointments: a fall during a sprint, on his home turf, and then an injury on Sunday still in front of his home crowd. Finally, the missed opportunity in Argentina – under the conditions he likes – I tickled him, no doubt. All this is very promising and reflects an impressive mind.
Photo: Michelin Motorsport
II) Rediscover trust
Likewise, his confidence was by no means shaken. In these cases, you need to be careful about over-committing. Let’s take Jack MillerOr just the opposite. Having been too far to stay ahead, trying to confirm his position, the Australian got in the way. Oliveira, with his speed, could have made the same mistake, i.e. trying hard, attacking to show that he was still in the game.
But his racing wit, Without a doubt one of the best we’ve seen in the last decadeI decided otherwise. The Portuguese gave himself enough confidence with a clean, daring and surgical overtaking without running into any trouble. The one he puts on Johann Zarco in the twist is candy.
However, the context was tricky, it was an elimination race with only 13 riders at the end, as Aprilia was not comfortable with mechanical problems. A crash wasn’t farfetched for a driver who, let’s remember, never really shone with his regularity of performance.
iii) What do we wish for?
It is true that we appreciate very much Miguel Oliveira, but we really think he can at least claim to be the brand’s official driver equals. Even if his ranking didn’t reflect that due to his lack of achievement – right now, seeing him tickle A Viñales dissident Usually inconsistent over the course of an entire season is unlikely.
this year, Miguel Oliveira He has a real card to play. The tournament looks completely open as long Pico Bagnaia Keep making mistakes. If he can finally finish in the top five repeatedly in his usual stroke, he can become quite the outsider this fiscal year 2023.
what do you think Did Miguel Oliveira convince you Texas ? Tell us in the comments!
Photo: Michelin Motorsport
Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport
