Miguel Oliveira, a talented MotoGP rider, faced a challenging 2024 season marked by a severe crash and injury that forced him to miss a significant part of the championship.
A technical failure on his Aprilia caused a dramatic accident during free practice in Indonesia, prematurely ending his campaign across Asia and Oceania. However, beyond the physical ordeal, Oliveira has emerged stronger, ready to embrace a new chapter in MotoGP.
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A dramatic crash caused by a technical issue
It all started in Mandalika, Indonesia, where Oliveira had celebrated a memorable victory in 2022. This time, the track delivered a very different experience. During free practice, an electronic failure on his Aprilia RS-GP triggered a “short circuit” in the bike’s control systems. The result? A total loss of control in a series of fast corners and a violent crash. This technical error didn’t just cost the Portuguese rider a few points; it also resulted in a fractured right wrist, requiring immediate surgery in Lisbon. The injury came at a critical point in the season, forcing him to miss five consecutive races—an immense blow in a championship where every point matters. Oliveira admitted that such accidents, though rare, often come down to a mix of bad luck: “In these kinds of crashes, it all depends on how you hit the bike or the ground.”
Still wondering HOW they managed to stay on the bike! 🤯
Enjoy the most epic, unreal, spectacular saves of the season! 🔥🔥🔥#MotoGP | #SeasonRecap pic.twitter.com/d4Ja32DTyT
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) December 8, 2024
Five MotoGP races missed and the struggle to return
The consequences of this crash were severe for Oliveira. The interruption to his season left him watching from home during much of the Asian and Oceanian tours, which included key races like Japan and Australia. According to the rider, the fast-paced nature of the season made his absence feel even more significant: “Those five races felt like an eternity, but in reality, recovery only took six weeks.” Despite this forced break, Oliveira made a respectable comeback during the final round of the season in Barcelona, finishing 12th. Yet the damage was done: his interrupted season weighed heavily on his overall ranking, leaving him in 15th place in the championship, just ahead of teammate Raul Fernandez.
Mixed results with aprilia and a new horizon
Oliveira’s time with Aprilia was far from smooth. Joining the RNF Racing satellite team in 2023 after several years with KTM, he failed to secure a podium in two seasons. Between the bike’s technical challenges and the physical demands of injuries, these two years rank among the toughest of his career. Nevertheless, Oliveira prefers to focus on the positives. He believes this period strengthened his resilience and forced him to adjust his riding style to a new environment: “These two difficult years have made me more complete, and I’m confident it will serve me well moving forward,” he stated. Looking ahead, the future appears brighter. In 2025, Oliveira will join the Pramac team supported by Yamaha, where he’ll team up with Jack Miller, another former KTM rider. With a new environment and a competitive bike, Oliveira hopes to turn the page and start afresh.
This article explores Miguel Oliveira’s turbulent journey, from his dramatic injury in Indonesia to his hopes for a revival in 2025. Between technical challenges, prolonged absences, and forced adaptation, the Portuguese rider has shown remarkable resilience. The coming seasons will reveal whether these experiences solidify his position among MotoGP’s elite.
Image: © Gold & Goose – Red Bull Content pool
