Miguel Oliveira faced tough conditions on his first day at Motegi, as soaring temperatures and multiple crashes created a challenging environment. Struggling with grip and interrupted by yellow flags, Oliveira’s Friday session reflected the difficulties that come with “Miguel Oliveira Motegi challenges.”
Oliveira Reflects on a Tough and Hot Opening Day
Oliveira described his initial day at Motegi as far from ideal, balancing frustration with humor over the intense heat. “I was freaking hot today,” he remarked.
“Maybe better than yours? You don’t know. How do you know?”
Despite this lighthearted comment, he acknowledged the challenges that lay beneath the surface.
Early in practice, Oliveira felt positive about the bike’s performance, but as the day progressed, problems arose during time attacks.
“It was a difficult day. I had a good feeling in general with the bike, especially at the beginning of practice,”
he explained.
“But on the time attacks we were really off with the grip balance. I also caught two yellow flags on my two tyres, so it was a bit of a disaster.”
These setbacks interrupted his rhythm and prevented him from showcasing his true speed.
Moving forward, Oliveira emphasized the importance of turning early comfort into a consistent pace to compete effectively in the crucial sessions on Saturday.
Chaos on Track as Riders Struggled with Unpredictable Conditions
The Motegi circuit presented a puzzling and unstable surface throughout the day, leaving many riders, including Oliveira, confused about the sudden loss of grip and numerous crashes.
“What happened with the track? It was very difficult for us to understand what was going on,”
Oliveira said.
“So many crashes… it was strange.”
The combination of high temperatures, frequent yellow flags, and erratic track grip made it hard for riders to find a steady flow. Oliveira maintained that the underlying feel of the bike wasn’t poor; instead, the main difficulty was managing unpredictability when conditions kept shifting.
Looking Ahead: Focus on Consistency and Avoiding Mistakes
With Saturday’s sessions approaching, Oliveira faces the task of minimizing distractions and maintaining a solid race rhythm. Success will depend on managing the series of challenges Motegi presents, especially in light of the chaotic atmosphere and track difficulties seen on Friday.
His ability to adapt and keep pace steady will determine if he can move up into contention for Q2 and recover from the disrupted start. The day’s experiences highlight how even skilled riders like Oliveira must wrestle with both physical and mental obstacles when confronted by unpredictable race conditions and environmental factors at Motegi.
