Miguel Oliveira, a distinguished competitor in the MotoGP circuit, recently faced a harrowing incident during the practice session for the Indonesian Grand Prix at Mandalika. Known for his tenacity and skill, the Portuguese rider was aiming to reclaim his glory, having previously clinched victory at this very venue in 2022 while racing for KTM. Unfortunately, during the FP1 session, Oliveira was thrown from his Aprilia RS-GP bike, primarily due to an electronics malfunction that resulted in a dangerous highside. This unforeseen mechanical failure not only marred his performance but also led to a significant injury — a fracture in his right wrist.
The crash occurred during a series of tight corners, specifically at the treacherous Turn 3-4, where precision is paramount. The aftermath of the crash necessitated immediate medical attention. Oliveira underwent surgery in Lisbon soon after returning from Indonesia, a response to an injury that would sideline him for an extensive period in the grueling MotoGP calendar.
The timing of Oliveira’s injury raised concerns, as missing the Indonesian GP meant he would also lose out on competing in the subsequent four races across Asia and Oceania. The impact on a rider’s season can be profound, given how momentum plays a pivotal role in performance. For Oliveira, who was already under pressure at RNF Racing (now known as Trackhouse), the setback was particularly disheartening. Returning home after surgery, he was not only grappling with physical recovery but was also facing the psychological toll of being absent from competition.
Reflecting on the chain of events, Oliveira described the crash as a blend of bad luck and the complexities inherent in motorcycle racing. “Injuries are always a matter of luck,” he remarked, acknowledging how unpredictably danger can manifest on the track. “It’s a very complicated type of crash. You can be unlucky if you hit the handlebars or land too hard on the asphalt.” These insights underscore the delicate balance that riders must maintain between skill and the machine’s reliability.
Return to Racing
Despite the emotional and physical obstacles, Oliveira’s recovery unfolded as planned. Within a six-week timeframe, he made his return to the grid at the season finale in Barcelona. While finishing 12th may not have been the triumphant comeback he had envisioned, it represented a significant achievement given the circumstances. However, the experience of missing five consecutive races left its mark on him, and he candidly admitted that watching the races from home felt like an eternity.
“I missed five races in a row,” he recounted, emphasizing the feeling of being detached from the competitive spirit that drives him. The cumulative loss of time on the track impacted his standing in the championship, leading him to finish 15th overall — a position notably below his aspirations and talents.
Looking forward, Oliveira has set his sights on new beginnings as he prepares to join the Yamaha-supported Pramac Racing team in 2025, partnering with fellow ex-KTM rider Jack Miller. As he reflects on his time with RNF/Trackhouse, he acknowledges the technical and physical challenges he faced. The two years with Aprilia were marked by struggle, yet they also provided opportunities for growth and resilience.
His tenure with the team may not have been filled with podium finishes, but the experience equipped him with valuable insights and a renewed determination to reset his career trajectory. “These were two years in which I struggled a lot, both technically and physically,” Oliveira noted, reinforcing the notion that even the harshest challenges in sports can become the very stepping stones to future success.
Miguel Oliveira’s journey through the adversity of injury, the frustrations of a tumultuous season, and the eventual return to the racetrack serves as a testament to the perseverance characteristic of elite athletes. As he transitions to the next chapter of his career, fans and peers alike will eagerly await his resurgence in future MotoGP competitions.