The last KTM offer for the GasGas project no longer played a role – Miguel Oliveira is looking forward to the future with Aprilia and gives the reasons for the switch
When KTM reached an agreement with Jack Miller in the spring and offered Miguel Oliveira a move to Tech 3, the Portuguese rider announced that he no longer wanted to ride for the Austrian brand from 2023. Oliveira did just that and agreed a two-year contract with Aprilia. He will compete in the new satellite team RNF.
“Several factors led to this decision,” Oliveira explains. “Timing was a big factor. I felt I had the chance to try a different bike. A competitive bike.”
“That’s why I thought about it and was tempted to accept this offer. I also felt very welcomed by Massimo. He was maybe the extra ingredient to convince me. “
Oliveira holds firm: you part on good terms
Nearly a fortnight ago, KTM made one last attempt to keep Oliveira. At the presentation of the GasGas project, KTM motorsport boss Pit Beirer announced that they had made Oliveira an improved offer.
However, the decision for Aprilia and RNF had been made long ago. “KTM’s intention to keep me in the project was clear since they had confirmed Jack. At that time, however, there was no information as to what the team would be called – Tech 3 or GasGas. “
“That’s why my decision was clear,” Oliveira holds. “I was given the green light to look for other places. That’s what I did.” Initial talks with Gresini and Ducati led to no success. Then Aprilia got in touch.
“There were no further developments from KTM. It was only at the Spielberg weekend that they made a final offer to keep me,” said Oliveira, adding, “I am very grateful for their efforts and appreciate it. Everything will remain at a good relationship.”
“After seven years, you don’t want to end a relationship like that abruptly. The last offers from KTM to keep me in the family were super fair. I am very proud of our relationship and what we have built together. We have always been transparent in negotiations. “
Vinales’ performance was interesting to see
The future of the four-time MotoGP race winner is Aprilia. However, the satellite team RNF will not have the latest development at its disposal next year, but the RS-GP with development status at the end of the 2022 season
What attracts Oliveira to the Aprilia? “It’s very difficult to analyse from outside. Watching Vinales has helped me understand the potential of the bike. Aleix has been there for so many years and knows the bike perfectly.”
“Vinales has ridden in-line engines his whole MotoGP career. So it was interesting to see that he is already performing at a good level. That convinced me more than Aleix’s results.”
“Of course. Every change is based on hope and trust that it will work. It’s a pleasure to be involved in another project for the next two years. With a bike that has already proven that it can be there consistently on every race weekend and on every track. “
