The Moto2 Czech Grand Prix was divided into two parts, the first dry and a final six laps in wet. Miguel Oliveira showed what had already been apparent in practice, that he felt comfortable in all kinds of conditions. The Portuguese took third position, for his fifth podium of the year and a first in the rain.
The first part of the Moto2 race took place in the dry. Oliveira, the rider from Red Bull KTM Ajo made a great start, but on the eighth lap, when he was up in third position, Race Direction brought out the red flag due to rain. Upon the restart, in a six-lap sprint, Oliveira again got off the line well, although two riders risked more in the first half-lap and escaped. The Portuguese improved his pace lap after lap to cross the finish line in third position.
With this second consecutive podium, Miguel Oliveira is fourth in the overall standings, level with the third placed rider with 133 points. The next race will be the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring next weekend.
Miguel Oliveira #44
"It was a very difficult race. We were lucky that it was short, because at the end it was very tricky when the rain fell again. In any case, I was able to make a good start, although in just half a lap, Luthi and Marquez pushed hard and I lost contact with them. I was also fighting with the riders behind and I think I lost a little time with that. Later I was able to cut the gap, but I needed a few more laps. It was a very difficult race, I couldn’t do any better than third. I am pleased that we were able to improve in these wet conditions because we were not able to do so in some of the previous races. I'm very happy".
Aki Ajo – Team Manager
"It has been a very good weekend for us in Moto2. Our riders have had a good performance in both dry and wet conditions. Unfortunately Brad [Binder] didn’t feel comfortable in the second race. But for me it has also been a good weekend for him. For Miguel [Oliveira] it has been a very positive weekend, especially with his podium, but also because he managed to be up there in every session. In my opinion, one of the most important things that we take from this GP is that we were strong in wet conditions, when we had not been previously. So we have taken a new step forward".
Results (Race)
1. Thomas Luthi (Kalex) 13:39.036
2. Alex Marquez (Kalex) +4.991
3. Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Ajo) +6.983
4. Luca Marini (Kalex) +9.190
5. Xavi Vierge (Tech 3) +11.064
Moto2 World Championship Standing 2017
1. Franco Morbidelli (Kalex) 182 points
2. Thomas Luthi (Kalex) 165 points
3. Alex Marquez (Kalex) 133 points
4. Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Ajo) 133 points
5. Francesco Bagnaia (Kalex) 87 points
