Among all the rising stars, it is difficult to predict the cracks of tomorrow, those who will play at the front in the premier category. But some already make a strong impression, through their character, or their driving style. : focus on these drivers in question.
Today we focus on Miguel Oliveira, the only Portuguese on the world circuit.
How does Oliveira have potential?
First of all, he is not a young unknown. He is someone who has always been fast, and this natural speed in racing is already a great asset. Remember, he was then riding Suter–Honda, then Mahindra in Moto3 but was already competitive, fighting like a lion to operate a machine inferior to the leading Honda and other KTMs.
Good at making slower mounts shine, he distinguished himself very early in the smallest category. Even today, on the KTM RC16, he manages to compile very good results despite inferior equipment and even sometimes tickles Pol Espargaró, flagship rider of the orange brand since their arrival in grand prix. His reference race among the big guys remains that of Spielberg, which he finished in eighth position.
This therefore reflects a patient, caring approach to the development and progression of motorcycles.. Within the experienced Tech-3 team, he speaks to a team that has a proven track record and knows how to push its drivers to give their all. Hervé Poncharal is also delighted with his recruit.
But Miguel's greatest strength may lie in his head. His unfailing mentality is an example to follow. Remember, during the 2015 Moto3 season, he managed to push Danny Kent to his limits. The Englishman was in fact 110 points ahead with six races to go, but Oliveira fought back to win four of the last six races, scoring the points that mattered. The Portuguese even pushed back the deadline in Valencia (an event he won) when Kent took the points for ninth place, securing the world crown. This near feat (recovering 104 points in such a short time) demonstrates Miguel's mental qualities and determination, which is the mark of the greatest champions.
Additional point working in its favor: it successfully adapts to all categories. After a difficult 2016 in the intermediate category, 2017 and 2018 saw the native of Almada break through, with a driving style focused on control and fluidity. This impression of ease, of dexterity reflected an already mature rider, but, unfortunately, may be less suited to the 600cc.
Moreover, his pure speed in qualifying cost him big points (he only has four poles in his entire career), while his title rival Francesco Bagnaia always started well placed in 2018. That year, Miguel Oliveira did not achieve a single pole: difficult when it comes to counting, especially when the direct opponent has five on his counter.
Consistency is one of the other strings to his bow: the KTM rider, since 2017 and his acclimatization to Moto2, has finished more than 93% of the races in which he has participated, only giving up three times in three years. This series also had 35 races completed in a row, which is quite significant.
Finally, the nationality of a pilot can be a double-edged sword, but the fact that Miguel is the only Portuguese involved seems to do him good. Indeed, he carries a people on his back and only seems to retain the positive pressure: a real plus for a grand prix driver. This role of ambassador corresponds well to this intelligent man, brilliant in studies as well as on the track…Who could still be talked about.
