MotoGP, Portugal Day 3, Miguel Oliveira (Yamaha/14) receives a standing ovation from his fans for his last home race: "I will never forget this week"

Miguel Oliveira received a standing ovation from the Portuguese public this Sunday despite a difficult race where it was "difficult to concentrate".

Miguel Oliveira His MotoGP career reached a decisive milestone today. The Portuguese rider participated in his final Grand Prix on home soil. A true hero in Portugal, he has always been greeted with ovations, and his difficult season hasn't changed that: the fans turned out in force throughout the weekend.

After seven years in the premier class, and 14 in the World Championship since his arrival in Moto3, Olive tree will bow out next weekend, at the end of the final GP of the season in Valencia, and will begin a new adventure in World Superbike starting next year, he will nevertheless be reunited with his fans since the championship is moving to Portugal.

Although he knew this weekend would be emotionally charged and challenging in terms of his Yamaha's performance, he gave it his all to make his fans proud one last time. Despite qualifying near the back of the grid and finishing a distant 16th in yesterday's sprint race, he managed to break into the points on Sunday, finishing 14th.

His victory lap turned into a true tribute, and it was with great emotion that he returned to his pit box. Feeling he had given his all in the race, he will especially remember the support of his fans. I'm really happy with my race, especially considering where we started on Friday. We managed to stay close to the other Yamahas in what we knew was going to be a complicated weekend. The race wasn't easy; it was difficult to manage the rear wheel spin, and when the grip improved, the bike became really unstable. Things got better towards the end, and I was able to push and set some good lap times. Honestly, it was the best I could do., did he declare.

“Before the start, my daughter gave me the Portuguese flag, and with that wonderful tribute I received, it was really difficult to put on my helmet and concentrate on the race. But when I crossed the finish line, I felt like a huge weight had been lifted. This week has been truly emotional and special. It’s one I’ll never forget.”

Results of the 2025 MotoGP Portuguese Grand Prix :

Classification credit: MotoGP.com