Let's talk MotoGP: Here's why Miguel Oliveira is so popular

While a latest rumor sends him to Pramac Yamaha, Miguel Oliveira has never ceased to please MotoGP teams during this transfer period. When some do not know if they will play in the premier category next year, he never doubted, even stipulating that he had several proposals on the table, while his results could raise questions. Why is Miguel Oliveira so popular? Analysis.

 

A legitimate question

 

Those who have followed this column for a long time know this; I have never stopped praising Miguel Oliveira, which I judged, for a time, at the same level as the best in his class. Personally, he has dazzled me since 2015 and this heroic resistance against Danny Kent to obtain the Moto3 title. What a pilot, what a season.

Since then, water has flowed under the bridges. He arrived in MotoGP and won. today, it is among the essentials, the regulars. His face is known to everyone, like his past exploits. However, it is clear that its association with RNF Aprilia then Trackhouse Racing – which followed a departure from KTM following checkered results – is not thunderous either.

 

 

Okay, he was unlucky in 2023 with his repeated injuries. I was the first to defend him and highlight his magnificent races when he was there, the United States and Great Britain leading. But since then, it's been a little thin. This season, he is riding on the RS-GP24, the same as Espargaro and Vinales. However, he is only 13th in the championship, very far behind an aging Aleix and a “Top Gun” who has been fairly bogged down for a few Grands Prix. Raul Fernandez, his teammate, is only five points behind while riding the RS-GP23 from the start. He was never really the best but defended himself quite well.

However, Oliveira's German GP allowed him to breathe a little. Fast throughout, he even had the luxury of starting from second place on the grid, even though qualifying is one of his biggest weaknesses. The only downside was this anecdotal race on Sunday, which relegated him to sixth position at the finish, 10 seconds behind the leaders. He was still the first Aprilia rider, so it remains a success.

 

So popular

 

I find, honestly, that there is a huge difference between his results – always – and his reputation. On the one hand, it's easy to understand why when you look at his profile. He was never a regular driver, well placed in the championship. No, he is rather sensational, "thrilling", capable of unparalleled strokes of brilliance which can sometimes lead to victory. It's impossible not to remember his victories at KTM, in the rain or not. However, within the Mattighofen firm, he never did better than ninth in the general ranking, at Tech3 in 2020.

How can we explain that everyone is fighting for it? Firstly, for the reason explained above. In this modern era, exploits pay off because they are rewarded with visibility that does not reach those who only achieve fifth places. This is the secret to longevity in MotoGP. Second, its seemingly sharp technical analysis, which arguably attracted Pramac and Yamaha to develop the YZR-M1. It is true that he advanced the KTM RC16 when he was official in 2021 and 2022, even if Brad Binder was better placed. Third, its media impact is significant. A recognized personality in Portugal, he expresses himself well, speaks several languages ​​and masters his communication. It’s an undeniable quality.

 

 

Therefore, I think it is a good choice on the part of Pramac Yamaha, which is recruiting a rider here who corresponds rather well to the project even if it still seems a little vague to me. Less than a year ago, I solemnly asked the official teams to hire him because I was convinced of his talent. My position has not changed in the meantime.

 

Conclusion

 

Even if we omit the statistical results, Miguel Oliveira's popularity within the paddock is perfectly understandable. Raw talent, ability to stand out and get air time, popularity among viewers under 30… he has it all. However, after careful consideration, I think it is good for him that he still remains in the underdog caste, at least for the moment.

If the public starts to really take an interest in it and expect a solid season, general opinion could work against it. This is simply not his profile, and as with Bagnaia, appearances are deceiving. We tend to believe, because they are calm in front of the camera, that they are naturally regular and conservative. It’s quite the opposite, exactly.. Let's just appreciate this rider who can dynamite a Grand Prix, and hope the best for him in his adventure with Yamaha.

I'm curious what you think of Miguel Oliveira. Tell me in the comments!

As a reminder, this article only reflects the thoughts of its author, and not of the entire editorial team.

 

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport