Miguel Oliveira, in a form of derision, commented about his national popularity that it was still far from that of his illustrious football compatriot, Cristiano Ronaldo. However, in terms of positioning on the transfer market, the procrastination appears to be the same. And it is not this last Austrian Grand Prix which will deny this situation which puts the Portuguese back in the KTM game, under the leadership of the brand's sporting director, Pit Beirer.
An impulse revealed in broad daylight during the press conference presenting the new colors GasGas from partner Tech3. A turnaround even, since Hervé Poncharal did not hide his surprise upon hearing that nothing was yet lost with Miguel Oliveira... It remains to be seen whether this is a real strategy that will bear fruit, or a final last stand.
According to speedweek, for whom the affairs of Pierer Mobility AG hold no secrets, it is claimed that those responsible for KTM et GASGAS have not yet lost hope that Miguel Oliveira stay. The Portuguese could even ride for three years in the new GASGAS factory team. A prospect that the pilot's father, who is also his manager, is Paulo Oliveira adds thus: “ there is always a chance for us at KTM ».
The big boss Stefan pierer even announces: “ we offered him a new three-year contract so that he has stability and builds the GASGAS project with Pol. The ball is in his hands ". The same Pierre also says: “ he signed a letter of intent at Aprilia ". Certainly, but in the WithU-RNF-Aprilia customer team, Miguel Oliveira would get this year's RS-GP22, while at Pierer Mobility AG it would get the same 2023 hardware as Binder et Miller...
And if Miguel Oliveira declines, who will be Pol Espargaró's teammate? “ Certainly not Gardner » says the KTM boss
Something to think about. For his part, Hubert Trunkenpolz commented : " we explained to Paulo Oliveira in a very good and constructive conversation that the GASGAS team of Hervé Poncharal will be our second factory team. This may have been communicated poorly initially or he didn't want to hear it. As far as we know, Miguel Oliveira has not yet signed a fixed-term contract anywhere. But even if the separation is complete, we will remain friends. Now father and son must decide in the coming days. We will have an answer by the end of the week ».
The deadline is therefore set, and it will arrive quickly. And if not, who will be the teammate of Pol Espargaro si Olive tree decline? “ Certainly not Gardner ", said Stefan pierer unequivocally and it’s another thunderbolt. Augusto Fernandez would therefore have its chances while, in this case, Tech3 would start a new year with two different drivers from the previous year. We know that Raul fernandez is already out of the KTM game.
By the way, KTM and GASGAS could form two MotoGP teams in 2023 with a lineup composed of experienced and talented riders: Brad Binder (2 victories in MotoGP) and Jack Miller (3 victories in MotoGP) on Red Bull-KTM, more Pol Espargaro et Miguel Oliveira (4 victories in MotoGP) on the GASGAS factory… The poor relation would then be the one returning to Mattighofen after two difficult years at Repsol Honda, and who has not yet won anything in MotoGP.
