Negotiating with Álex Rins, Jack Miller and Pol Espargaró, the Austrian team told the Portuguese that he should be open to the possibility of returning to defend Hervé Poncharal's team. Miguel warned, however, that if this is the case, he will look for other opportunities outside the team
The relationship between Miguel Oliveira and KTM is not at its best. The Portuguese rider has told the Mattighofen factory that he will not accept a return to the Tech3 team for the 2023 MotoGP season, and is keen to keep his place in the factory team.
Last week, the 27-year-old was told by Pit Beirer, director of KTM's sports division, that he must be open to the possibility of returning to ride for Hervé Poncharal's squire if he renews his contract with the Austrian outfit. Today, only Brad Binder has a contract renewed until 2024, but the orange brand is negotiating with Álex Rins, Jack Miller, and Pol Espargaró.
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At the end of Sunday's Italian GP, Oliveira confirmed that he has already communicated to the team management that he does not accept this possibility. Miguel is 11th in the 2022 World Riders' Championship with 50 points, 72 points behind Fabio Quartararo, the championship leader. He did, however, take KTM's only win of the year, at the Indonesian GP.
"I am [exploring options outside KTM]. I told management that I don't accept the Tech3 spot and that I want my factory seat," Oliveira said. "If that is not possible, I will definitely consider other options. At the moment, there is nothing relevant to add," he commented.
Asked to clarify whether he would run for Tech3 in 2023, Miguel replied, "Definitely not. There are still some jobs available, don't worry."
The options in factory teams in MotoGP, however, are not many. The only one that has already defined its two riders is Aprilia, which has renewed Aleix Espargaró and Maverick Viñales until 2024. Ducati has already secured Francesco Bagnaia for two more years, but is likely to put Jorge Martin or Enea Bastianini alongside the Italian. At Yamaha, Franco Morbidelli has a contract until 2023, and Quartararo is expected to renew as well. At Honda, Marc Márquez also has a valid contract, while Joan Mir remains the most likely replacement for Pol Espargaró. Suzuki, on the other hand, will leave the grid at the end of the year.
The MotoGP World Championship returns to the track next week for the Catalunya GP in Barcelona.GRANDE PRÊMIO is following all the activities of the 2022 MotoGP World Championship.