Poncharal clears up Oliveira rumours

Tech 3 boss confirms a renewal option is in the pipeline for the MotoGP™ rookie, but nothing has been signed yet

After a very solid start to his maiden MotoGP™ season, Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) has attracted some media attention leading up to the Gran Premio Red Bull de España.

Some reports suggested a contract renewal with KTM has already been agreed and signed by Oliveira and while Tech 3 boss Herve Poncharal confirms nothing has been officially signed between the two parties, a contract extension is in the pipeline for MotoGP™’s first Portuguese rider.

“Miguel is directly under contract with KTM, as is the case with Pol (Espargaro) and Johann (Zarco),” began Poncharal, speaking to motogp.com on Tuesday 30th April. “In this contract, there is indeed an option for Miguel to be renewed one more season at home, says the boss of the team Red Bull KTM Tech3. At this point, KTM and Tech3 are very happy with his debut, Miguel too.

“So all the lights are green so we can continue together in 2020. The sooner it's done, the sooner it will free the rider from a weight. But for this option to be applied, you must first sign some documents and today, there is still nothing 100% act, even if it is something that very likely will happen. In any case, a press release will be issued in due course.”

In the meantime, Oliveira and the Red Bull KTM Tech3 team are heading to Jerez for Round 4 of the season. A circuit Oliveira hopes he can continue his good form on as he aims for the points again.

“Jerez is a very nice Grand Prix, first of all, because it’s very close to my country,” commented Oliveira. “It’s the closest GP we get from Portugal and therefore also the biggest attendance from Portuguese fans, so it’s very special for me. It’s also a track, which I like a lot, so I’m looking forward very much to ride there again.

“After the test in November of course there are already some points, which I know, I need to improve on my riding. So, it’s going to be a fantastic weekend, I can’t wait to see all the team again after two weeks and get ready to work. Of course, the target for this race is to fight for the points again and I think this is where we should stay the whole season. After the result in Austin I want to get back up and work hard to improve.”

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