Miguel Oliveira is steadily adjusting to his new Yamaha bike, confident that his smooth riding style could complement the machine’s strengths. However, he acknowledges that mastering the bike’s front-end handling remains a significant challenge that only a select few riders can manage effectively.
Challenges with Front-End Performance Highlighted
Oliveira explained that although a smooth riding approach suits the Yamaha, extracting its full potential demands exceptional control of the front tire. He identified Jack Miller and Fabio Quartararo as the current riders who excel in this area, particularly in how they
“squeeze the best out of the bike”
on the front end.
He said,
“Look, I think that, as of this moment, a smooth riding style can work, but at the same time, you need to force so much the front. And the only guys who can really really squeeze the best out of the bike at the moment is probably Jack Miller and Fabio Quartararo, especially especially the front.”
—Miguel Oliveira, MotoGP Rider
Goals to Match Competitors’ Front-End Control
Oliveira believes that closing the gap to Miller and Quartararo in front-end handling will elevate his competitiveness. He emphasized the importance of reaching their level to complement his strong corner exit skills, which he sees as a key factor for future success.
“I need to get close to that because I think then together with my corner exit, I think we can, we can be really competitive. But I need to get to that window where they are at the moment with the front,”
he noted.
Adaptation to Riding Lines and Speed Limitations
The rider acknowledged that Yamaha’s current top speed limitations require him to adjust his racing lines, forcing a different approach compared to competitors with higher straight-line speeds. Despite this, Oliveira finds an advantage in the bike’s handling capabilities.
He commented,
“Yeah. Lines especially because we we lack a little bit of the top speed, and so we are forced to do kind of a different line.”
He also highlighted the bike’s ability to turn effectively, allowing later braking points through corners, which can counterbalance some speed disadvantages.
“The bike turns quite well, which is a big advantage for us, because we can basically break that five, ten meters later and still turn,”
Oliveira remarked.
Positive Signs and Optimism for Race Performance
Looking ahead, Oliveira remains hopeful about further refining the package to enhance race pace consistency. He believes progress is underway, noting that one-lap pace is competitive and that improving race pace is the next step.
“I think the package is getting there. We can definitely feel one lap pace is there. Now we just need to also optimize the package on the race pace. But as you saw today, Fabio was on it, so I think it’s not much to worry about,”
he concluded.
