The young Portuguese of Leopard Racing is about to begin the first round of the MotoGP World Championship 2016. After the last pre-season tests which reinforced the positive development from Almada´s rider, Miguel Oliveira is confident for his rookie year in Moto 2, at the controls of a Kalex bike and a new team. It is on the next weekend week in Qatar, under artificial lights, that takes place the start of the new Moto GP season 2016. The Losail circuit is a stage with a special atmosphere for all the teams and riders and is where it will be disputed the first of 18 races on the calendar.
It is recalled that even before the championship start, riders and teams had the opportunity to test this same route that was in fact the first stage of official tests for Moto3 and Moto2 teams. With the regulation to be changed this season to give the same opportunity to the teams with fewer financial resources, the pilots saw stipulated 10 maximum days of private testing and the usual 6 days of IRTA official tests. Miguel Oliveira and Leopard Racing Team started its testing program in February at the Catalunya circuit, passed by Valencia and headed to Jerez de la Frontera where fulfilled seven days of the 10 stipulated and where the pilot from Almada suffered a fall and fractured two fingers in the right hand. Ten days later, the pilot of Almada was heading back to the Andalusian circuit to start the official tests, conditioned by the fracture of the ring finger of the right hand that caused him discomfort in adapting to the new category. Already in Qatar, in the circuit of Losail, occured the last three days of official tests that allowed the rider and team to take another step in its evolution, getting little more than 1 second fastest lap of the timesheets.
The anxiety of the Portuguese rider is common at the beginning of each season, but this year has a different feel to race with riders who never ran against. However, Miguel Oliveira is optimistic for the start of the season. "Every year I look forward, but this year is a different feel: there are pilots I do not know and I do not know how it will be to compete with them; It will certainly be a process of discovery and learning. I know I still have to adapt more to this new category, especially at distance running. During the last tests significantly improved the bike and my driving and this was reflected in my lap times, so I am optimistic for this first test. I hope to be among the fastest in a few races. "
Always careful for his fans and followers, Miguel Oliveira did not hesitate to create a unique moment and organized in partnership with the Almada State and Sport TV, a Miguell Oliveira Fan Club space, where on Sunday from 12:00h everyone can watch a live and exclusive transmission of the first race in Qatar. The space takes place in Caparica Spring Surf Fest at Paradise Beach in Costa da Caparica and admission is free. "I know there are more fans of motorcycling in Portugal and wanted to find a way to meet them. As this is another important moment for me, nothing like feeling the unconditional Portuguese support that is always present. With the support of the Almada State, the Caparica Spring Surf Fest and Sport TV, we aligned the conditions for a live coverage of this first race. I think it will also be a good opportunity to demonstrate that motorcycling also moves crowds. ", Concludes the Moto3 vice-world champion .
The Losail track was built in 2004, is located near the city of Doha and has a total length of 5380 meters. It received it´s first Grand Prix in 2004 but only in 2008 appeared in night race format. The track mixture curves of high and medium speed with a straight finish over 1000 meters long.
