2017 is a particularly important year for KTM. The Austrian firm has in fact decided to launch two new Grand Prix programs, one in the premier category of MotoGP, the other in the intermediate category of Moto2.
The task was extremely ambitious but if, as expected, the Mattighofen machines do not yet shine in MotoGP, their little Moto2 sisters proved to be a happy surprise, regularly fighting for the podium in their first year against strong competition. much more experienced. Well, at least that of Miguel Oliveira, since Brad Binder was handicapped during the first part of the season by his arm problems.
On the contrary, with a pole position obtained at Termas de Río Hondo and podiums in Argentina, Spain, Catalonia and Germany, the Portuguese driver can be completely satisfied with his first half-season which he concludes by placing third overall.
During the summer break, Miguel Oliveira drew up an initial assessment on the official website MotoGP.com.
What assessment do you draw from this first half of the season?
“Obviously we are happy with the way things have gone so far. Some results were better than expected and to be honest we were somewhat surprised. We didn't expect to get podiums and a pole position on circuits where we had never driven before. We managed to overcome the problems we had at the beginning, something we thought was impossible. So far it has been a good season. »
What aspects of the bike can be further improved?
“Improvements will come as obstacles are encountered. At the moment, we are still in the experimentation phase. When we have tested the bike in all conditions, we will really be able to judge which aspects need to be improved. »
You ride on circuits where this bike has never ridden before. When race day comes, do you think you are sufficiently prepared in terms of settings?
“The problem is not so much testing this bike for the first time on a track but more the weather, because sometimes the conditions change radically during the weekend. When it rains during testing but not during the race, we can see this lack of track time. However, this is something completely normal. »
Is winning a race one of your goals for the second half of the season?
“To be in the Top 5, you have to be very precise and not make mistakes. If we are ahead, we can then take risks to get closer to victory. We hope to be in this situation more often, in which case I'm sure good things will come. »
What does it mean to be the only KTM team in the category?
“This Moto2™ team is directly linked to the factory. So we have the opportunity to experiment with a lot of configurations and elements during testing, which is a pretty positive aspect. »
What is your program for this summer?
“Above all, I will try to disconnect and enjoy my free time at the family home. »
