The Almada rider is returning to the Indonesian island of Lombok, where he has fond memories after winning at the Mandalika circuit in 2022. Looking ahead to the race, Miguel Oliveira is optimistic about the bike's progress and achieving a good result.
The Mandalika circuit's debut on the MotoGP calendar in 2022 was a talisman for the Portuguese rider, who won the race after a remarkable performance, marked by an intense pace in heavy rain.
On the eve of his return to Lombok for the Indonesian Grand Prix, the 15th of this season, Miguel Oliveira reveals that his “expectations for the weekend have nothing to do with the victory of two years ago”, but points out that the team is “much more optimistic” with the Aprilia bike.
The Portuguese driver will start the free practice sessions this Friday. On Saturday, the second qualifying round starts at 4:15 am (Portuguese time) and the sprint race at 08:00 am. On the final day of the Indonesian Grand Prix, the main race also starts at 08h00.
“Proud” to have the Portuguese Grand Prix confirmed until 2026
On the sidelines of the race, the Portuguese rider also praised yesterday's announcement that the Portuguese Grand Prix and the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve (AIA) will remain on the MotoGP calendar for another two years.
“It's fantastic, not least because we had no certainty from the Portuguese government about the Grand Prix in Portugal. I'm proud of everyone's tremendous work after the death of Paulo [Pinheiro, founder and administrator of the AIA, who passed away in July], which required a lot of restructuring,” he said, while also expressing his hope that the motorcycle World Championship in Portugal would be extended beyond 2026.
