The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider, who is second in the Moto2 standings, reviews the first half of the season.

Miguel Oliveira continues to take steps forward in his third season in the Moto2 World Championship. The Red Bull KTM Ajo rider is second in the overall standings with 141 points, having taken one win –at Mugello– and a total of five podiums from nine races. As the series enjoys a brief summer break, Oliveira talks about the first half of 2018 and his plans for the time off.

What is your verdict on the first half of the season?
“I think that the first half of the season has been very positive. We’ve been very consistent in terms of race results: We achieved five podiums from nine races and our worst position was sixth in France and Holland, which is a good return. This consistency allows us to be in the fight for the title at the halfway point of the season, which is very positive.”

What difference do you see between the end of last season and this year?
“This year the other riders are even more competitive. Last season there were fewer riders at the front regularly, however, in 2018 that number has increased significantly with each race.”

What has been your best moment from the first nine races?
“My victory in Mugello. It came after after a difficult Grand Prix at Le Mans, and that gave the team and me a lot of motivation to continue working hard.”

How is the KTM Moto2 bike going for you?
“We have been with KTM for two years in Moto2 and the feeling with it is good. We need to find a better setup compromise for qualifying, but we have a very competitive bike for races.”

What do you want to improve most in the short term?
“Our goal for the coming races is to take a step forward with our qualifying results. We are going to concentrate on improving that point, because if we manage to gain grid positions it will be easier for us to tackle the races in the second half of the year.”

“The most important thing will be to take advantage of our opportunities and strive to create favourable situations.”

What do you think the difference in results in practice and the races is down to?
“We aren’t making the most of the tyre when it’s still new as efficiently as our rivals. The difference between the majority of riders on the timesheets is very small and any tiny improvement immediately has a big impact on qualifying results.”

What do you expect from the second half of the year?
“We’re going to work harder than ever to win the maximum number of races possible. Our intention is to fight for the win whenever we have the opportunity, and to fight to have a chance to lift the Moto2 title at the end of the season.”

What do you think will be the most important factor in fighting for the title until the end?
“The most important thing will be to take advantage of our opportunities and strive to create favourable situations –in which we can make a difference.”

We have seen that all the riders at the front have had their ups and downs. Do you think the eventual World Champion will be the rider who gets the most victories or the most consistent competitor?
“That is something we will have to wait until the end of the year to find out. In Moto2 everything is always very close and every detail counts. What is certain is that the champion will be the rider with the most points, and we are going push to achieve that.”

What plans do you have for the summer break?
“I like to use the time to disconnect, relax both mentally and physically with my family and friends, and fill myself with positive energy. In one week’s time we will start thinking about Brno, where it will be important to start the second half of the year strong.”