The Trackhouse team was at the front of the grid at the Sachsenring. And in qualifying on Saturday. Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez finished on the front row in second and third respectively.The Portuguese in particular knew how to take advantage of this good starting position in the sprint race.
He finished second between Ducati riders Jorge Martin and Picco Bagnaia.. This was the first time that an Almada driver was able to participate in the podium ceremony in the new Sprint format that entered in 2023.
But his teammate dropped back on Saturday to finish 14th.We made a big mistake with the front tyre. I couldn’t drive, it was very difficult. It was frustrating, because the potential was there.“The tire pressure was too high,” Fernandez said. “The current rule makes it very difficult.” The pressure was at maximum, but it was not right to get the most out of the tire.“It was a mistake, but we are a team. That’s why I don’t want to say anything bad.”
Things went better for the Madrid native on Sunday. Although he was unable to stay in the leading group again, he made it to the chasers’ list, finishing in tenth place.I did my best in the long race, and there was no more I could have done.“It became more difficult in the second half. We have to understand how to save the tyres until the end. I did a good job in the first 15 laps, facing the Ducati and Miguel. But from lap 15 I had problems with the tyre. This is also due to the old bike. [cabe recordar que va con una especificación de la Aprilia de 2023]“
“I tried to handle it as best I could and save the rubber, but it was very difficult. I finished in the top 10, and had a pretty good weekend.He explained that the worst was the speed race, because more could have been done.
The American team had their hopes pinned on Oliveira on Sunday, believing he had a chance to return to the podium. But it wasn’t to be. The Borgo Panigale team were in another league, with the Portuguese finishing sixth in the 2024 RS-GP.
“It seems that [esperan] Until Sunday and beyond [muestran] everyone“I was at the front in every session of the weekend,” said Oliveira after the main race. “I was consistent and competitive, and I thought I had good pace to challenge them. But it was impossible from the start. They already had more stability and grip after the start. I couldn’t stand up to them.. I knew it would be tough against the Ducati team. “I gave everything I could, but it wasn’t enough to make the difference.”
However, this sixth place was Oliveira’s best result in MotoGP 2024. It was the best representative of Noale’s home at the Sachsenring. Aprilia will introduce a new aerodynamic package for the next race at Silverstone. Fernandez will also receive this update.It will be on the same level as the other three pilots.
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