Miguel Oliveira is back on track after a thrilling return to competition at the French MotoGP Grand Prix. Now, he’s racing against time to regain his speed before the summer break. Despite his current challenges, he’s not ruling out the possibility of fighting for podiums, but admits that finishing in the top 10 would be a significant achievement.
“I want to get back to my usual speed as soon as possible,” Oliveira said in an interview. “I need to regain my confidence on the bike and keep improving.” The Yamaha rider is still recovering from a shoulder injury, but he’s determined to make the most of the upcoming races.
Oliveira acknowledges that Fabio Quartararo is currently the strongest Yamaha rider, with the skills and experience to extract the bike’s full potential. “He’s been riding this bike for years, so it’s no surprise he’s doing well,” Oliveira noted. However, he’s not giving up on his own chances, saying, “If I can make progress in the next few races and get a good opportunity, I won’t exclude myself from the fight.”
The new bike updates have been a positive evolution, according to Oliveira. “I’ve got a new chassis, swingarm, and engine update with a bit more power in the right places,” he explained. “The electronic upgrades have made a big difference too.” Despite having only two points so far due to his injury, Oliveira remains calm and focused on his own performance.
Looking ahead to the Portuguese Grand Prix, Oliveira is excited about the timing of the event. “It’s perfect that the home race is at the end of the year, when we’ve got more experience with the bike,” he said. “I’m feeling comfortable and anxious for that moment.” With his confidence and speed gradually returning, Oliveira is ready to take on the challenges of the upcoming races and make the most of the season.