Miguel Oliveira was a protagonist in today's epic Moto2 race, at the Austrian GP. The young portuguese rider started in the 3rd row, 8th position; in the first laps got involved in a battle with is teammate, Brad Binder, and Francesco Bagnaia, which ultimately cost him time to the leading group.
After being able to overcome the opponents, Oliveira made a sequence of quick laps that allowed him not only to reach the leading group, but also to be the best rider on track, while retrieving the almost 3 seconds disadvantage he had. With 5 laps remaining to the finish, Miguel Oliveira lost the rear wheel grip in turn 8 and he could’t avoid the crash, which ended his race.
The young Red Bull KTM Ajo pilot was transported to the circuit’s hospital for medical examinations, which dictated him able to run.
#44 Miguel Oliveira
“It was a very positive race. We had been able to close the gap to the front group after they escaped on the opening laps, and five laps from the end I could see that we had victory within reach. It was very important to take this step forward after having had difficulties in practice. It’s a shame about the crash; I lost the rear wheel and was thrown off the bike. Luckily nothing is broken, although my whole body is very sore. Tomorrow we have a day of testing, but I don’t know if I'm going to be fit in time”.
Miguel Oliveira is now 4th in the Moto2 World Championship Standing, with 133 points, at only 30 points from the spanish Alex Marquez.
The next race for the Red Bull KTM Ajo team will be at Silverstone, in the British Grand Prix between August 25th-27th. However, tomorrow they will have a day of testing at the Red Bull Ring.
Results (Race)
1. Franco Morbidelli (Kalex) 37:39.370
2. Alex Marquez (Kalex) +1.312
3. Thomas Luthi (Kalex) +2.544
4. Francesco Bagnaia (Kalex) +3.070
5. Mattia Pasini (Kalex) +3.745
DNF. Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Ajo)
Moto2 World Championship Standing 2017
1. Franco Morbidelli (Kalex) 207 points
2. Thomas Luthi (Kalex) 181 points
3. Alex Marquez (Kalex) 153 points
4. Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 133 points
5. Francesco Bagnaia (Kalex) 100 points
