One place short at Sepang, Miguel Oliveira failed to satisfy his boss Hervé Poncharal... The latter hoped, before the start of the tests in Malaysia, to see him in the top 10 when he folded for the next stage in Qatar. But it will ultimately be an eleventh place that the Portuguese will sign, albeit with a broad smile. Even if his operated right shoulder still handicaps him, he had the satisfaction of discovering a KTM making very clear progress which gives him great ambitions for the season ahead...
At KTM, coming out of Sepang tests, we had a smile and the feeling of having done our homework well during the winter. A good atmosphere that Miguel Oliveira, pilot Tech3, did not spoil by making his evaluation of the new RC16 like this: “ there is a big difference compared to 2019 and it is positive. We tried to improve the handling and cornering with the brakes, and KTM has made very good progress on that front. It also looks a little better with the engine. But we have to make the package even better now, because the return of the bike is very different from last year. »
The Portuguese adds: “ the KTM is now easier to handle, so we had to adjust the setting. We started the test with the setting corresponding to the 2019 bike. We didn't change much at first. But the new bike has been shown to leave more room for improvement. I feel much more comfortable on the bike than a year ago. At the time, as a rookie at Sepang, I managed two laps under 2'00 after six days, with soft tires and a lot of risks taken. Now I can ride permanently in 1'59. »
As Nakagami et Marc Márquez, Olive tree had surgery on his shoulder. We know that the two Honda drivers are still suffering from this surgery. What about Olive tree ? " The right shoulder, which was operated on in November, made more progress every day. Sunday after the third day, I was at the end of the strength in my shoulders. The doctors say it will take me another month and a half to be pain free. »
« I don't mean a percentage on my fitness. I can only assure that I am not yet 100% ", said the pilot Tech3 KTM. " But I'm optimistic I'll be fit for the race in Qatar and I can easily survive the Grand Prix distance there, that's my goal. My physical condition is already better than after my injury at Silverstone. So I can test well, I can do consistent times, I wasn't completely exhausted in the evening. It was important to be able to do a good job with this test. »
Furthermore, the teammateIker Lecuona adopted the same vegetarian diet as Pol Espargaro : " I am 3 kg lighter than a year ago » he rejoices before ending with his ambitions for this season: “ my goal is to go higher every year », he slips speedweek. " Of course, I would like to be the best KTM rider on the grid. This is the goal of any driver who races against drivers of the same brand. That said, I want to contribute as much as possible to the KTM project in a positive way. So that we can build a stronger bike and see a bright future this season. I expect a positive season in terms of results. But we are only at the beginning. I prefer to keep my feet on the ground and continue to work. »
Next meeting on February 22 for three days of testing in Qatar, on the Losail track which will open the season on March 8.
- Tech3 Racing (@ Tech3Racing) February 11, 2020
