In a farewell tone, Miguel Oliveira thanked KTM for the years defending the Austrian team and, even without a guaranteed contract for the 2023 MotoGP season, said he will be on the grid
With the signing of Jack Miller by KTM to be Brad Binder's teammate for the next two seasons in MotoGP, Miguel Oliveira is officially looking for a place to compete in the premier class next year. The Portuguese, who is responsible for the Austrian team's only victory this year, did not hide his regret at leaving the team at the end of the year, but said that now is the time to look at "new opportunities" opening up - although he said there is nothing confirmed for 2023.
KTM even offered Oliveira a spot in Tech 3 for him to stay with the team, but the rider was very direct and denied the offer, saying he wanted "his factory seat" and would consider other options if it wasn't possible.
For 2023, Oliveira explained that "it is something that is not yet fully decided," but still, he is confident that he will line up on the grid of the premier class. "I haven't signed with any manufacturer, but I think my future will be on the MotoGP grid. It is difficult," he declared in an interview with the official MotoGP website.
"I spoke with KTM and showed that I have always been worthy to have some place in the factory. I want to make it clear that KTM has always done everything possible to keep me in Tech3, but I told them it wasn't what I wanted," recalled the 27-year-old rider, who didn't hide a hint of frustration at being passed over by the Austrian house after his achievements. The Portuguese spoke again that it was at KTM where he really felt he could contribute to the team.
"It's a place I've earned by my results, and I can really do this job. I really wanted to be involved in this project for a few more years and take the bike to another level, because there is a lot of potential that hasn't been reached yet, but that's life. New opportunities open up for me," he added.
There is an expectation that Oliveira will be one of the names to join the Gresini team next year. He even confirmed that he had a "small meeting" with the team led by Nadia Padovani, but said that there is nothing settled at the moment. "It's very nice to sit and talk with other constructors and see what their perspective on me is, since I've never heard their opinion about it, so this was great," he said.
Oliveira, finally, put on record his thanks for the seven years of partnership with the Austrians and wished them "luck and the best in their project," assuring that KTM "will always have a special place in his heart.
"Even if our paths part at the end of the season, I want to do my best for the team and leave KTM with more podiums or wins in the second half of the year. That would be great," he concluded.