Oliveira puts Mahindra on front row
Miguel Oliveira will start German Motorcycling Grand Prix from the front row of the grid — the fourth time in Mahindra MGP3O’s debut season that he has claimed a top-three qualifying position. The Portuguese teenager was placed third.
“We changed some settings overnight, mainly at the rear, and the modifications are working well. I am not completely happy with my rhythm, but I could do a good lap,” said Oliviera.
“The race will be difficult as always, especially the last laps. There are a lot of left-hand corners here and tyre life will be an issue. It’s also a very tiring track, so it is easy to make a mistake. The start here is not so important because it is not so far to the first corner, but it will be important not to let anybody get away up front, while also looking after the tyres.”
Team mate Efrén Vázquez qualified seventh, heading the third row, but was frustrated that another rider had baulked his last-lap effort to claim his first front-row of the year.
The Spaniard finished first day of free practice third overall, proving his potential as he regained strength after an earlier injury.
“I’m not happy. I think I could have made the front row but on the last lap I was caught up with the mistake of another rider,” Vazquez said.
“On the fast corner he closed the door on me and I lost a little time. He did not ride in the correct way.
“But I think we can still do a good race. The bike is okay, with a used tyre I was only a tenth of a second slower, and I am feeling strong,” the Spanird added.
Oliveira, the 19-year-old, currently lies a close sixth overall, with Vázquez 13th, after missing two rounds through injury in the Moto3 World Championship.
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