MotoGP Silverstone J1, Miguel Oliveira (Aprilia/15): “I didn’t feel well”

Last year, Miguel Oliveira had a fabulous Grand Prix at Silverstone, marked by a comeback in the wet. This 2024 edition of the British Grand Prix is ​​off to a difficult start, it is true, but we must not exclude the Portuguese from the most juicy discussions, especially since he is on the verge of sealing his future in MotoGP, perhaps with Pramac-Yamaha. Very strong at the Sachsenring, he must take advantage of this new opportunity to make an impression.

The day could have started better at Silverstone. Despite a decent speed, he found himself far down the rankings – in 15th place, synonymous with having to progress through Q1. « We still lack stability, especially at the rear. We are not at the level of officials, we still need to find some solutions. We tried during Practice, but nothing has paid off so far. I'm not frustrated yet, because it's only Friday, there's still time » he declared to our microphones at the end of this Friday.

 

 

A strange feeling, which never left him despite adjustments. Aleix Espargaro, in the official Aprilia team, did not have these problems: he moved comfortably into second position. « I didn't feel good on the bike. She didn't really react to what I was doing, I wasn't at my best. Aleix is ​​very fast, he always is at Silverstone. It's not as simple as looking at your data, I first have to get some feeling back on the bike." he continued.

 

 

Even if he has already announced that he will not be with Trackhouse Racing in 2025, his job requires him to undergo tests that will be decisive for the future of Aprilia. An improvement – ​​which is not an improvement, according to him – of the attitude corrector has just been developed. She is embarked by her teammate Raul Fernandez, who is discovering the GP24 at Silverstone. « I have already tested a new system from Ride Height Device, which Raul Fernandez is currently trying. I use it too, but there is still work to be done on it. » he concluded.

Do you think he can get up and get better places tomorrow? Tell us in the comments!

Practice result at the 2024 British Grand Prix:

 

 

Classification credit: MotoGP.com

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport