In 2019, Miguel Oliveira made his debut in the MotoGP World Championship after spending nearly a decade in the paddock, progressing through the ranks from 125cc to Moto3 and then Moto2. Even after five years in the premier class, he still holds on to his idols and references, which is a natural part of any athlete’s journey.
In a brief video shared on MotoGP’s social media, #88 opened up about the athlete who continues to inspire him the most, someone he has also faced on the MotoGP circuit: ‘Valentino Rossi. The main reason I’m deeply passionate about motorbikes is because of him.’
When it comes to his non-sports idol, Oliveira mentioned a person who has always been by his side, supporting him throughout his journey: ‘My father was the reason I first hopped on a bike. He has been my hero ever since I was a child.’
In the current season, the Portuguese rider is competing for Trackhouse Racing, riding an Aprilia. With an impressive five victories to his name, Oliveira is currently navigating through a slightly challenging phase in terms of performance, having not reached the podium since 2022.
Just a little over a week ago, Oliveira clinched a ninth-place finish in the Portuguese GP – marking his best result since the middle of last year and his first top-ten finish since the San Marino GP in September 2023. This achievement is a testament to his resilience and determination as he continues to strive for success in the fiercely competitive world of MotoGP.
