The Moto2 class takes on one of the most legendary tracks on the calendar, Assen, this weekend. A part of the Motorcycle World Championship since 1949, the venue is known as the 'Cathedral' of motorcycle racing, and the trip to the Netherlands is always a special occasion. Miguel Oliveira hopes to provide a great result for Red Bull KTM Ajo this time around.
The Portuguese rider made a great comeback in Barcelona, finishing the race in second position, and he is now just at one point off the series leader. Miguel Oliveira will look for his third consecutive podium, after rostrums at Mugello and Barcelona, at a circuit where he has previously won. Victorious in Moto3 for Red Bull KTM Ajo in 2015 at the Dutch track, he also holds a podium from 2014 and was on pole in 2013, all in Moto3. In the intermediate class, last year's Dutch GP was the first time he had fought for the win with a KTM -a bike new to the grid in 2017.
Miguel Oliveira #44
“We had two very positive results at Mugello and Barcelona, which allowed us to get closer to the lead in the overall standings, but it is still very early days and we have to take things race by race. The idea is to continue in the same way this weekend, although there is an important point to improve, which is qualifying. We can't start from so far back on Sundays because it is a risk that we can ill afford to take. We must improve our work on Fridays and Saturdays to come into Sundays as prepared as possible.
Assen is much narrower and very flowing compared to the most recent tracks that we've been at, but last year went really well for us there on our first time with the KTM. It was there that we fought for the victory for the first time, but in the end we were at the back of the lead group. I hope I can get back on the podium and take as many points as possible for the overall standings”.
The eighth Moto2 race of 2018, which will be held over 24 laps, will start on Sunday, July 1st at 11:20pm Portuguese local time.
Circuit information – TT Circuit Assen
Length: 4.542 m. / 2,822 miles
Width: 14 metres
Left corners: 6
Right corners: 12
Longest straight: 487 m. / 0,303 miles
Constructed: 1955
Modified: 2012
