Miguel Oliveira acknowledged that the vibration issue troubling him during the Mugello race had actually begun at the Aragón circuit. While initially manageable, the problem worsened significantly throughout the Mugello race, making it almost impossible for him to maintain proper control of his bike. The Portuguese rider described how the difficulty intensified as the race progressed, despite earlier indications that it could be handled.
Challenges Faced with New Rear Wing Setup
Oliveira also addressed his approach to the new rear wing implemented at Mugello. Although he tested it during qualifying, he ultimately chose not to use it in the race. He expressed discomfort with the wing’s performance and decided to rely on the standard setup instead, despite data suggesting similar effectiveness. This decision reflected his caution in trying to avoid additional problems while hoping to find an improvement.
Past Occurrences and Strategic Decisions
Reflecting on whether the vibration was a new issue at Mugello, Oliveira confirmed it had appeared earlier in Aragón. This recurring problem complicated his race strategy and bike setup choices. His decision to exclude the new rear wing during the race was motivated by a desire to eliminate variables and prioritize stability over uncertain gains.
Significance and Future Implications for Oliveira
The vibration troubles experienced by Oliveira during the Mugello race highlight ongoing mechanical challenges that could affect his performance in upcoming events. Addressing these issues will be critical for improving his competitiveness and comfort on the bike. Monitoring the impact of setup choices like the rear wing will remain a key focus as he works to optimize race conditions and manage risks.
“Yeah. I had it a little bit yesterday with a new tire, but with the new tire on the time attack, you more or less manage this. But over the laps in the race, it’s quite a different story, and it’s nearly impossible to ride.”
—Miguel Oliveira
“We did have it a little bit in Aragon already. So, yeah, we’ll see.”
—Miguel Oliveira
“Yeah I did, but no I didn’t race it because I wanted to get it out of the equation even if the numbers say it should be very similar. But I was just not comfortable enough to go with it and actually find something that was a true positive step forward, so I just decided to stay with the standard one.”
—Miguel Oliveira
