What happens to Miguel Oliveira? The question is all the more pressing as it is even beginning to haunt the corridors of his employer KTM. An outsider identified in the title race, including by Fabio Quartararo during the summer break, the Portuguese was suddenly absent at the start of the school year, on Austrian soil in his RC16. It is true that he injured his hand there. But the slump lasts and we are three Grands Prix away from the goal. Pit Beirer has his opinion, which should lead to an internal discussion…
Miguel Oliveira first experienced a depressing start to the campaign, at the helm of a KTM which did not cope well, it was said at the time, with the tires that Michelin had brought for the season. Then a new framework arrived as did new fuel and the recovery was spectacular. So much so that at KTM, we were dazzled to the point of blindness: “ after Miguel's second place at Mugello, his victory in Barcelona and his second place at Sachsenring, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. With results like this, you have no doubts. We took the summer vacation and said, "Okay, we've just made a good move, let's work on the bike for next year now." » We haven't been able to do another full update for 2021. In truth, these three or four tracks probably misled us a little about the character of the bike », Analysis Pit Beirer.
During the restart at the Red Bull Ring, everyone was waiting to see Olive tree start again. But the disillusionment was great: “ Miguel was injured at Spielberg, and in the week before the second Spielberg Grand Prix, he was always sick, no one noticed either » reveals Beirer on speedweek. " After that, he didn't get a point for three races. So he was completely destroyed in his head ».
KTM: “Miguel Oliveira was completely destroyed in his head”
From there, he began to be supported with an adapted program. At first, he no longer tested anything: “ if a driver doesn't work so well, there is no need to start testing and trying the details » says Beirer. Then he was given a break: “ I fully supported this decision to allow him to participate in the 24 hours of motor racing in Barcelona with the KTM X-Bow » specifies the sports director. “ Because he assured us beforehand that his hand would no longer hurt. There was no longer any physical reason not to allow it. But mentally, he was really not in a good mood at that time. That's why I was of the opinion that a trip into the automotive landscape would be very good for him. It could only be an advantage if he cleared his head, did something different and had fun ».
An attention which, unfortunately, did not pay off: “ our KTM car team told me they had a great time. After that I was 100% sure that Miguel would be back in his old form in Aragon. But I have to admit it turned out different than I thought ". A reported disappointment and we know how much we don't like to be disappointed at KTM, because, during this time, Brad Binder holds the line whileIker Lecuona sometimes showed himself more to his advantage than the Portuguese in pure speed. There will certainly be an explanation between the manufacturer and its driver. Especially in a context where Raul fernandez increases in power.
