Via the official website MotoGP.com, we attended the post-race MotoGP conference at the Styrian Grand Prix in Austria on Sunday, which brought together Miguel Oliveira, Jack Miller and Pol I will espargaro.
As usual, we report here the entirety of the comments of Miguel Oliveira, without the slightest formatting.
Miguel, there are so many reasons to be happy today, between your first victory and Tech3's first victory in MotoGP, a home victory for KTM and the first Portuguese to win a Grand Prix! What do you feel ?
Miguel Oliveira : " I am happy and I am proud, and of course there are many reasons to be happy about this day. It's a home victory for KTM and Red Bull, so it's even more special, just like for me. I think we did a good job all weekend and I was lucky to have a second chance in the race because I was able to change the front tire and I think that allowed me to be much more competitive in the second race. I'm just very happy: I keep my feet on the ground but my head is a little in the clouds (laughs), filled with joy, not only for me but also for my family, my Portuguese friends, and everyone. »
Did you have a feeling that something could happen in the last lap to give you an opportunity?
« I don't think you can predict anything in a 12-lap race. I simply moved forward without having to worry about tire management or fuel. From this point of view, we can say that it was an easy race. I knew Pol and Jack were really strong, so I don't think I could have passed them cleanly if the race had continued. But Pol started to close the doors a little more and Jack tried to fight for the victory in the last corners, and I knew I could take advantage of that. I played a little safe and smart, and was able to go inside on the last corner and cross the finish line first. »
You've had some tough times over the past couple of years, but there's a glint in your eye that shows you have a determination for more success to come...
« It’s been like this my entire career: Nothing happened easily. Definitely, my path involves working hard, because nothing is given to me. So I always had to work really hard to get something. Yes, I learned a lot last year, especially riding in the second half of the season with a lot of pain from the shoulder surgery. Mentally I wasn't in the right place, so coming back from that period to now is a huge step forward. But I didn't do this alone, I have a great team with me, KTM Factory showed huge support towards me, and I still have to thank them because they trusted me. They gave me the strength to continue working. »
Miguel, we saw what happened on the last lap of the race, but what happened on the return lap? Tell us about your emotions…
« I think the emotion is the same for everyone here when you win a race. It was special because it was the first: Happiness, joy, and a lot of adrenaline, of course! And, I didn't know it, but a marshal was waiting for me, at turn six, to give me the Portuguese flag. It was a good time ! He gave me a business card, with his phone number, but I don't know what he was expecting (laughs). »
How did you feel when you heard your national anthem? And how did the last turns go?
« I was very proud! Hearing your national anthem is always special. For the last corners, Jack explained: They widened a little and I took advantage of that to win the race. It was obviously very good. I wasn't prepared for it until I saw it was possible. A reaction, the competition, yes it gave a nice show and a nice victory. »
Andrea Dovizioso describes your riding as the smoothest of KTM riders. Do you think this could give you an advantage on other tracks this year?
« I don't know, we'll see. Sure, I try to do things in a little gentler way, but I wouldn't say I'm super super gentle. This bike has definitely taken a big step forward between last season and this one. Dani (Pedrosa) worked a lot and provided very good information to make this bike much easier to ride, and the result is noticeable: We can really feel that the bike is easier to ride, and and we can be a little softer, which somewhat corresponds to Dani's riding style. In the end, this hard work pays off! I think we don't have too much reason to worry about the next races: We tested at Misano and I don't think we are very bad there. But until we get there and verify it, it's just predictions and stories. So let's wait until we get there and start working! »
I remember your first wildcard at Estoril during the Rookies Cup. Could you imagine that one day you would be sitting here, and what were your dreams back then?
« Well, if you now ask the boys who are in the Rookies Cup if they see themselves one day in MotoGP, each of them will tell you yes, because I myself see myself on the highest step of the podium every time ( laughs), even when I had never been there. I think that although everyone experiences this process differently, sometimes it is very important to believe in yourself. Its a question of confidence. When I was 13, I didn't know how, or if, I was going to get there, but I sure imagined myself on the top step of the podium. »
In three weeks, we had six races, because of the red flags. Is this linked to the last circuits used?
« I don't know, but I think it was specific events that led to the red flags. These are for safety concerns but not a big specific issue regarding the circuit. We have one or two issues with the route that may need to be changed. This is a discussion that is still open and perhaps we will see a safer Red Bull Ring next season. »
We've seen four different winners in five races this year, and for three of them it was their first victory. What is the explanation for this scenario, other than Marc Márquez not racing?
« (Laughs) Apart from Márquez? I don't know if there is a particular reason. It's just my opinion but I think once Marquez was out of the competition, everyone immediately thought he could win a race and take the championship. I think that feeling where we're hovering a bit is why there isn't a clear favorite for the championship fight. But I also think it's still a bit too early to know. Fortunately, we will see in the next races who is more regularly on the podium and scores more points. Because in the end, this is what will make the differencee. »
"Ounce @marcmarquez93 was out, everyone started to feel they could win the championship!" 🙌@ _moliveira88's view on the open #MotoGP season we're having! 🎙️#AustrianGP 🏁 pic.twitter.com/9DpYbweqe2
- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) August 23
What do you think about KTM losing the dealerships?
« It's good ! There is only one thing that justifies it, and that is seeing the orange KTMs in the parc ferme on Sunday. Whatever benefit we have gained in the past is paying off now, and so it is time for us to compare ourselves with the best brands by having the same rules. I think, regardless, KTM showed that when they went somewhere, it wasn't to lose. I think they have achieved great things in MotoGP in such a short period. They can be proud of that, and it's not just about money or the financial resources to do things. In competing, you also have to bring together the right group of people to work on the project, and they were able to do that from scratch. I think Mike Leitner is largely responsible for this. He is someone with a lot of experience who constantly pushes the project to the next level. It is us, the drivers, who benefit, and from now on we will only have to race like everyone else. »
Standings for the Styrian MotoGP Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring:
Photo credit and ranking: MotoGP.com
