The first day of free practice has just ended on the Mandalika circuit, in Indonesia, with the surprise leadership of the Yamahas of Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli. In the heat of the island of Lombok, the MotoGP riders returned to a circuit that they had discovered last month during the final winter tests, and of which a good part of the route has since been resurfaced.
Miguel Oliveira, for his part, concluded this Friday in ninth position, and gave his impressions to journalists at the end of the day. We transcribe his entire remarks here.
Miguel, how was this first day in Mandalika?
« I finished the day well. We worked particularly well in the afternoon because I was able to be fast and have good feelings on my bike at that time. During the time attack it is not yet that but we are also working on it to be efficient tomorrow. As everyone knows, tire allocation is different and this makes it necessary to make some changes. The team is working on it, so I have good hopes of doing good FP3, staying in the top 10 and achieving good qualifying in the process. »
Did you feel any difference between the portions of the track that were resurfaced and those that remained the same as last month's testing?
« I actually felt a difference. I must say that the main straight which joins the last sector and the first corner offers a very good level of grip. So it's a good thing, and I feel that it's different from the tests, despite the oppressive heat today. The fact is that with all the bikes on the track it improves the situation a little and we have more margin in terms of trajectory. »
What are your feelings with the tires, especially with the old casing?
«
The old casing is a little more rigid, it absorbs less impacts, which makes the bike livelier with more movement at the rear. This makes you feel like you have less grip. This is something we need to adjust in order to have more grip and a tire that works well for us. »
You used the hard tire at the front in the afternoon. Do you see this one as a viable option for racing?
« We haven't decided yet, because to be honest I didn't feel much grip with this rubber on the front. This is one of the hardest tires we have available. I am still open to other options in order to make the best choice for the race. »
