The Japanese MotoGP Grand Prix was disappointing for Miguel Oliveira. The CryptoDATA RNF MotoGP Team rider entered the pits just moments before the red flag while fighting for top positions, due to water infiltration in his helmet. He ended up being classified in 18th place.
Before the issues, the rider was chasing the podium and told SportTV that he had already figured out where he could try to overtake Marco Bezzecchi: ‘The bike was performing well, the conditions were very tricky – especially at the beginning when there wasn’t much rain. It was very difficult to get the tires to work and grip. That first rain is always the slipperiest rain. Braking for turn three was the most complicated. But then when it started raining more, I felt good, I was behind Bezzecchi and I clearly understood where I could push a bit more and potentially overtake him. But it didn’t happen.’.
Oliveira also referred: ‘When I started having visibility problems, I still said to myself: “Miguel, don’t give up, don’t give up, keep going, keep going.” But it became impractical for me, I absolutely couldn’t see anything. And it’s sad because it’s something that has never happened to me and that’s why I leave Japan feeling a little emotionally empty. But that’s how it is’.
