MotoGP Race In Portimao Gives KTM Rider Miguel Oliveira A Spark Of Enthusiasm

KTM rider, Miguel Oliveira, enthusiastically welcomes MotoGP Portugal. (Photo: Instagram @motogp)

JAKARTA – Miguel Oliveira hopes to get the best results when the MotoGP race takes place in his country, Portugal. Competing at home will certainly provide additional motivation for the rider.

The fifth MotoGP race will take place at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve or commonly known as the Portimao Circuit on Sunday, April 24. Status as the host racer, attention will certainly be on Miguel Oliveira.

For this reason, the victory is important for the 27-year-old racer when he gets a lot of support from the public himself.

"After this incredible day, I expect a good weekend with good results. Performing in Portugal provides a special incentive and additional motivation," said Oliveira reported by Speedweek.

Before the race in Portugal took place, Oliveira had already greeted his fans. He paraded with them on a KTM RC16 motorbike.

Oliveira was at the forefront of the parade which hundreds of fans joined on to the Portimao Circuit. Arriving at the circuit he continued by completing one lap around the 4.6 kilometer long track.

"It feels strange to ride the RC16 on public roads. We know for sure that MotoGP bikes are not made to be ridden slowly. I just kept the engine running. When we got to the race track, the bike returned to its real terrain," said Oliveira.

Oliveira will be eyeing a second win of the season while competing at home. He previously took the first podium this season when MotoGP took place at the Mandalika Circuit on March 20.

If he succeeds in winning in Portugal, it will be his second victory at the circuit after he previously recorded his first podium on November 22, 2020. If that happens then this will be Oliveira's fifth podium in MotoGP.