Miguel Oliveira signs with Tech3 KTM for MotoGP 2019
Miguel Oliveira will be the first Grand Prix star to come through the entire Red Bull KTM MotoGP system after inking a contract to represent the brand in the premier class for the 2019 season. The Portuguese will ride for the Tech3 team after enjoying success in the Red Bull Rookies Cup, Moto3 and is currently fighting for spoils in the Moto2 division.
Miguel Oliveira
“It is very early in the season but I am really happy that KTM have seen enough from this year and the last to trust me and believe I deserve this opportunity in MotoGP. I’m really thankful for that. I’ve always dreamed of MotoGP. I had it as a goal and to be able to achieve that is something so positive. We still have a long Moto2 season ahead and the fact that this is already done allows me to relax and really focus on my riding. I have been through all the steps that Red Bull and KTM have together since the Rookies Cup; I believe I’m the first. I think that shows other riders can trust in KTM and their project. I think I have the skills and the will to be able to perform well on a MotoGP bike.”
Pit Beirer (KTM Motorsports Director)
“This is an emotional step for us because it proves all what we have said about building a structure in this paddock and being able to come from the Red Bull Rookies Cup, go through the classes with us and end up in a MotoGP team. Together with Aki Ajo we created the Moto2 project to be the platform that develops riders for MotoGP and I have to thank Aki for this partnership because he is doing a great job with the riders; if they come out of his ‘school’ then they are ready for MotoGP and I’m happy we can give a chance to Miguel. At the same time I’m also pleased that he can trust us as the right partner to try and be a successful MotoGP rider. We already have a great line-up of talent and there is still one spot open. It feels great to know we can have Herve (Poncharal), Aki and Mike Leitner around the table to make our strategy in this paddock. Miguel has his goals for race wins, podiums and the title in Moto2 this year and he has our full support for that and then his MotoGP career will start in Valencia.”
23 year old Miguel Oliveira joined the Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto3 team in 2015 and clinched six wins and nine podium finishes. He immediately graduated to Moto2 and in 2017 again grasped nine trophies with three victories. He already has two rostrum appearances in 2018 on the KTM Moto2 machine in the intermediate category. Oliveira confirmed his MotoGP contract after the first day of the Gran Premio Red Bull de España at Jerez.
Tech3 Racing team joins forces with KTM from 2019 Moto2 season
In Moto2 news the Tech3 Racing team will compete with KTM in the 2019 Moto2 World Championship, as well as being a KTM outfit in the MotoGP category, the French squad is set to partner with the manufacturer from Mattighofen, Austria for the new era in the intermediate class.
Herve Poncharal – Team Manager
“The Moto2 is a class that I particularly like and where we’ve been involved since the very beginning. So far, we’ve been building our own machine, but having signed a three years partnership with KTM in the MotoGP class, it makes sense for Tech3 to have also the Moto2 team racing with KTM machinery. We are of course very happy and proud to have the whole Tech3 racing activities linked to the KTM Factory.”
