In a startling revelation, Miguel Oliveira disclosed that an electronics failure led to a devastating accident during the practice session at Mandalika, which ultimately resulted in a fractured wrist. Competing in the first practice session for the Indonesian Grand Prix, Oliveira, who previously secured victory in this event in 2022 with the KTM team, encountered a perilous highside on his Aprilia RS-GP bike. The incident occurred during a sequence of left-handed turns at Turns 3-4, marking a significant moment in a race weekend that would take an unfortunate turn.
The outcome of this crash was dire for the 29-year-old Portuguese racer. The injury required immediate medical attention, and he underwent surgery in a Lisbon hospital shortly after the event. Not only did this fracture keep Oliveira off the racetrack for the remainder of the Indonesian Grand Prix, but it also sidelined him for four more consecutive races across Asia and Oceania.
Following the accident, Oliveira provided insights into the circumstances of his crash. He attributed the incident to a “short circuit” in the bike’s control unit that disabled all control systems, leading to a harrowing loss of command over the motorcycle. This unfortunate turn of events highlights the unpredictable and high-stakes nature of motorsport. “When you have a crash like that, injuries are always a matter of luck,” Oliveira stated during a sponsor event. His reflection on the unpredictability of crashes resonates with the inherent risks faced by motorcycle racers.
Despite the trauma of watching races from his living room, Oliveira managed to undergo a structured recovery process that lasted around six weeks. He remained optimistic, recognizing that while he missed a significant portion of the season, the healing period itself was manageable. This period away from the track, however, felt elongated given the intensity of consecutive misses in the racing calendar.
2023 was not an easy year for Oliveira, who joined Aprilia’s satellite team, Trackhouse, after a commendable tenure with KTM that included five Grand Prix victories. Yet, his transition to the RNF Racing outfit proved challenging. Throughout his two years with the satellite team, he struggled to find form and failed to secure a spot on the podium. The high hopes from joining a new team soon turned into a harsh reality marked by difficulties both technically and physically.
Reflecting on his two-year stint with Aprilia, Oliveira candidly admitted, “These were two years in which I struggled a lot, both technically and physically.” Such honesty underscores the mental and emotional toll that can accompany competitive racing, particularly when results do not reflect the hard work and commitment that athletes invest.
As Oliveira looks towards the future, the prospect of joining the Yamaha-supported Pramac team in 2025 alongside fellow former KTM rider Jack Miller offers a glimmer of hope and renewed motivation. This move signifies a new beginning and potentially a fresh start for Oliveira, who aims to reclaim his competitive edge in the MotoGP arena.
He appears optimistic about this transition, wrestling with the dualities of feeling weighed down by past struggles while eager for the opportunities that lie ahead. The upcoming season could be transformative if he finds a supportive environment at Pramac and harnesses the lessons learned from his turbulent tenure with Aprilia.
In the world of motorsport, injuries and setbacks are often simply part of the game. Miguel Oliveira’s story this season encapsulates the highs and lows of professional racing—an athlete on the cusp of victory suddenly faced with personal and professional challenges. As he reflects on a season marred by injury and disappointment, Oliveira remains resolute in his pursuit of excellence. With the coming changes next year, fans and followers of MotoGP can only hope that this talented racer finds the success he deserves in his future endeavors.
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