Miguel Oliveira enjoyed an historic day at Brno to start the second half of the 2018 Moto2 season, claiming his second win of the year and moving into first place in the overall standings.
Although he would win the race, it was not an easy 19 laps for Miguel Oliveira. The Portuguese rider started from fourth on the grid, and was part of a group of nine riders in the early stages. After momentarily taking the lead on Lap 7, Miguel Oliveira dropped back before attacking again with three laps to go. The victory would be decided on the final lap, as he held off Luca Marini to take the chequered flag first.
Miguel Oliveira #44
“It was a very fun race. From the start I understood that the pace wasn't going to be very fast, so the key was to overtake and not lose much time. On the final laps I knew I had to be further up at the front, then when Baldassarri passed us all I thought I maybe had something extra up my sleeve. I suffered a bit of chatter and sliding, but I wanted to be up at the front. I tried to ride smoothly and without making mistakes, and on the last lap I knew that Marini was going for the win, but finally I managed the last laps well and I was able to finish first. I'm very happy; it is an important victory for us and we hope to continue like this.
Our goal now is to continue enjoying ourselves and working well. We know there are things to improve with the bike, and we are working on it tirelessly to try to make the dream come true at the end of the year”.
Aki Ajo – Team Manager
"It's a great feeling that we have today. We went into the summer break with a victory for Brad Binder at Sachsenring, and we've started the second half of the season with a victory for Miguel Oliveira here at Brno. The whole team are very happy. Miguel had a great race today; I would say that the end of the race was the 'Miguel Oliveira Show.' I have great respect for Miguel, who never gives up and who put on a great performance."
The result for Oliveira means that he tops the overall standings with a 2 point advantage -the first time a Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 rider has occupied the spot.
Results (Race)
1. Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 39:22.324
2. Luca Marini (Kalex) +0.070
3. Francesco Bagnaia (Kalex) +0.525
4. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Kalex) +0.745
5. Xavi Vierge (Kalex) +3.362
Moto2 World Championship Standing 2018
1. Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 166 points
2. Francesco Bagnaia (Kalex) 164 points
3. Alex Marquez (Kalex) 113 points
4. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Kalex) 106 points
5. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 101 point
