As Miguel Oliveira leaves KTM for the 2023 MotoGP season, he admits that he ‘didn’t do what I wanted in terms of results.
Debuted with Tech3 KTM in 2019, Oliveira won five races with KTM, the factory squad, and Tech3. He even achieved the best championship finish of ninth in 2020.
After moving out of his factory team ride for Jack Miller and electing against a Tech3 return, he will participate in the RNF Racing next season as he begins its tie-up with Aprilia.
While speaking in Valencia during the 2022 season finale, he considered his time with KTM as successful. However, he feels that he leaves having not achieved what he wanted with the brand.
When Autosport asked him whether he achieved what he wanted with KTM, he said that he has four successful years with them. Although things didn’t go as smoothly as he wanted them to, half of the 2019 and 2020 seasons spend on injury, which cost them a lot. But, provide some good results as well.
Since he started in 2019 with different bike specifications, there was a progression. He also thinks that he is leaving with the feeling that he didn’t do what he wanted in terms of results. If he gets more time, it will be great. However, things are like time and they have to move forward.
Considering his time at KTM, Oliveria had his maiden MotoGP victory with Tech3 at the 2020 Styrian GP. He defeated Pol Espargaro and Miller with a last-corner move. It was his first win and was great for him.
He said that the two wins this season were great. However, the first win is the one that impacts him the most.
On Tuesday, Oliveira made his Aprilia debut after the Valencia Grand Prix in the first 2023 pre-season test. He was the leading rider who switched manufacturers on the timesheets at the end of the day in fourth.
When Autosport asked him whether he felt that it was the right time to move on from KTM, Oliveira added that the time is right to accept another challenge. He said that he is grateful for the opportunities he gets while at KTM. Therefore, he feels that the time has come to move on to another project.
As Tech3 welcomes Pol Espargaro and KTM promotes Moto2 champion Augusto Fernandez as his teammate, Oliveira will join RNF alongside another KTM outcast, Raul Fernandez.