MotoGP Austria, KTM on the attack with a new Michelin front tyre

One of the possible stars of the Styria GP, Miguel Oliveira, was forced to retire twelve laps from the end of the race due to a serious tyre issue. The Portuguese rider commented: “I started to feel a lot of vibration and had to retire”. Once in the garage, he was able to check the condition of the front tyre, big pieces in the centre having come away.

A difficult weekend for the Portuguese rider

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The situation became so dangerous that, as reported by English site crash.net, Michelin will change its front tyre option for the second race at the Red Bull Ring. Oliveira recalls: “It was a pity because we’d asked for a hard compound that could perhaps work better for us. We also realised that we’d have to learn to ride with a soft front compound, but it’s hard to change the philosophy of the entire bike”.

Another aspect is the wrist injury that Oliveira sustained last Friday during a high side: “It’s getting better day by day, and all the treatments are working. We hope to be in top shape for the second race here at Spielberg”.

Binder just missed the podium

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On hand to save the weekend for KTM was Brad Binder who was able to score fourth on the very last lap. The South African admits: “We really need a harder front tyre. It’s too soft for us”. He adds: “But I was able to make a couple of passes to finish fourth and I’m pleased about that”. KTM is the only manufacturer to have won at this track, aside from Ducati, having triumphed with Oliveira last season. Who knows if they can do it again this weekend?

Translated by Heather Watson

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