After joining the Pramac Racing team and the Yamaha brand, Miguel Oliveira took part in his first official tests. The Portuguese rider shared his first impressions of his new bike and the challenges he faces.
Miguel Oliveira begins a new chapter in his career in 2024. After leaving TrackHouse Aprilia to join the team Pramac, who herself took the big leap from Ducati à Yamaha , the Portuguese rider must now tame a new machine. Recent tests in Sepang were an opportunity for him to get his bearings with the Yamaha , and his first impressions are mixed, but overall positive. Before we get to the Buriram tests, Oliveira shares his feelings and thoughts on this transition.
Olive tree did not hide that the adaptation to the Yamaha represents a technical challenge, particularly with regard to the management of new tires and the search for pure performance. I feel good, but I have to say that The worst thing for me was understanding the bike with new tires, trying to destroy the lap time. It was complicated », He explains. " I was hoping to take another step in terms of improving my lap, but I just couldn't put it all together. Sometimes when you try too hard, the result is worse.. »
The Portuguese driver emphasizes that progress is still possible, particularly in terms of electronics. We have room for improvement, especially in terms of responsiveness, feeling of grip and how to take advantage of the soft tire. Fabio Quartararo obviously knows how to do it perfectly, and we are trying to do it too. »
If technical adaptation takes time, Olive tree On the other hand, he is very enthusiastic about the atmosphere within the team. Pramac. " This is the best team I've seen in recent years. I really enjoy the atmosphere, and the team is amazing " he confides.
Miguel Oliveira: “ I believe I am in the best possible position to take on this new challenge in my career. »
He adds : " I believe I am in the best possible position to take on this new challenge in my career. The guys help me a lot and highlighted some important points to work on with Yamaha. We can improve some aspects quickly, so that's very positive »
Olive tree also benefits from first-rate technical support, with engineers Yamaha permanently present in the stands. Yes, we still have the engineers from the factory. It is not one, but two or three engineers who listen to us and work with us. It's something permanent and it is very positive to have this team linked to the factory »
One of the technical points that caught the attention ofOlive tree concerns the feel of the accelerator. At first I hated the free play the throttle offered. But after a few laps and analyzing some data, we saw that I was kind of being pushed to go back to a setting with some free play. It's a hard thing to master, but it's a good thing., Yes »
Despite the technical challenges, Miguel Oliveira approaches this new season with optimism. He knows that adapting to the Yamaha will take time, but he is confident that the team Pramac and engineers Yamaha will provide him with the tools he needs to succeed. We still have work to do, but I'm confident. The team is incredible, and we have everything we need to progress » he said on Motosan.
The next tests in Buriram will be the opportunity for Olive tree to fine-tune his settings and continue to explore the limits of his new bike. With a solid team and a promising bike, the Portuguese has all the cards in hand to make his talent speak in 2024. It remains to be seen how he will be able to transform this adaptation into results on the track.
