The first tests of the 2019 MotoGP off-season revealed some bleeding debutants. bagnaia thus made the powder speak with the Ducati Pramac while fabio quartararo was close to the top 10 aboard the Yamaha Petronas. But for another, there was more cause for concern than satisfaction. However, he is a 2015 Moto3 world vice-champion, a status that he claims again in 2018 but in Moto2. So it’s not just anyone. But Miguel Oliveira just isn't there.
Finishing both in Valencia and Jerez practically last in the combined times and taking almost three seconds off the best time is not the best thing to ruminate on before leaving for a long winter break . Yet it is the fate of Miguel Oliveira who discovered the RC16 and the Tech3 team, the new satellite structure of the Mattighofen manufacturer.
That being said, Johann zarco, within the official team, and his teammate Syahrin at Tech3 did not make any sparks either... On his results of four days as a MotoGP rider, the 23-year-old Portuguese comments on speedweek : " why am I not fast? That’s the million dollar question! I know I have some potential as a racing driver. But when I look at the lap times, I'm a little doubtful ».
He pursues : " of course I am a rookie in the MotoGP class. But I have experience with other KTM bikes and with WP suspension. My impression is that the front is too stiff. For the past two years, Pol Espargaró and Bradley Smith have raced on the KTM factory team. They had been used to this setup at Tech3-Yamaha for maybe three or four years. The Yamaha may need it. But I'm not sure of anything at the moment. With this setting, I have too little feeling and not enough confidence in the front tire ».
The one who only has one year of contract ends: “cWhat is certain, however, is that we will never have a performance problem with the engine. But we must progress in all areas. Suspension, chassis, electronics, there is still a lot of work to be done. Even with the winglets that all teams use ».
Olive tree will not be the last to wait for the expertise of Dani Pedrosa who will ride the RC16 in Jerez from December 18 to 19.
