Miguel Oliveira Curbs Razlan Razali's Hype - "Wouldn't Be Realistic"
Categories: MotoGP
RNF Racing team boss Razlan Razali wants to return to the team’s old strength in 2023. Miguel Oliveira tempers the euphoria.
After a disappointing 2022 season and the split with Yamaha, Razlan Razali wants to get back to winning ways with his RNF Racing Team on the Aprilia RS-GP.
In pre-season tests, both veteran Miguel Oliveira and MotoGP sophomore Raul Fernandez were able to put in some great laps. Razali is sure of his goals.
He explains during the team’s livery unveil: “I can’t deny that we are desperate to get good results and be competitive.”
The Malaysian believes that probably the best chance to clinch a top result will come at the first race of the season for the team.
“This weekend, Miguel [Oliveira]’s home GP, is probably the best opportunity to create something magical.”
Oliveira Curbs Razali's Hype
For Oliveira himself, Razali’s goals, even if within the realm of possibility, seem a little too lofty. After all, it is the first season on the Aprilia RS-GP for both the team and the riders.
“I will try my best for sure, but I don’t think it would be very realistic for me to sit here and say, ‘I feel great and because the World Championship starts in Portugal, I think I’m in a great position to win’.”
The Portuguese curbs his team manager’s hype and reflects on what he has set his sights on for his home Grand Prix weekend.
“I want to go into the weekend with the aim of getting to know the bike better and preparing well for the race.”
“The truth is that we still need to get to know the bike really well and understand how to be fast with it.”
And it is not just their own experience that could be in the team’s way. Above all, the Ducatis, who once again showed off their dominance during testing, could become a stumbling block for the Aprilia satellite team.
Oliveira hopes that the balance of dominance will continue to shift towards Aprilia over the course of the season.
“I’m not saying the Ducatis won’t be very competitive, they have very good packages and apart from Alex Márquez they don’t have a new rider either.”
“But I think it can be a bit different in the season with the dominance, at least I hope so – and I hope race by race we get a clearer idea of what we need to work on.”
