This week’s guest on the MotoGP podcast, now “calmer”, Miguel Oliveira’s team boss revisited what he felt on Monday, when he learned that the Portuguese rider would not be able to participate in the Argentine Grand Prix, due to the injuries he suffered in Portimão after the accident with Marc Márquez. “After the news we received, at a time when we were going to Lisbon, to then go to Buenos Aires… Paulo called me and said that Miguel had been declared unfit after the exam, that the injury was quite harmful. a punch in the face, another disappointment, another moment of frustration. We feel sorry for Miguel, because when we see the replay we realize that it was a big shock”, recalled Razlan Razali, founder and head of Cryptodata RNF. After the news of Miguel Oliveira’s absence, the Malaysian team released a very strong statement, which Razlan Razali justified by the need for something to change. “We had to make that announcement because this type of irresponsible driving needs to be taken more seriously. We spoke to the FIM and I hoped there would be a more proactive stance on the part of the stewards, to sit down with everyone and try to do what they want. it was necessary to discuss the situation. This cannot go on like this. In a modern era of MotoGP, with faster bikes, the tracks are the same, the riders are faster, crazier… The stewards have to sit down and discuss things to improve, with transparency, talk to everyone and not have these secret meetings”.
The Malaysian also took the opportunity to, in a way, question Honda’s option to appeal the change in the punishment, even though he considers that the Japanese are within their rights. “The stewards’ actions on Sunday speak for themselves. This should have been handled differently. We have data from other moments in the past. For Honda and Marquez, what matters is looking at the words. They have every right to appeal. But now we are going to an appeals process, bla bla bla… When will this end? This will not serve to improve anything, to change the situation. After this, what will happen?”, he questioned.
For Razali the solution is simple: “We have to sit down and talk. Face this and not just sweep it under the rug and hope it happens again.”
I was just wishing for a podium… for each one
In the same conversation, Razlan Razali was naturally satisfied with the progress that Miguel Oliveira showed in the Portuguese Grand Prix (while it lasted…), confessing that, before starting the season, the team’s objective was to get at least the two riders to get a podium in the season. “It was the least we wanted. It was our goal and our best chance was at the Miguel Oliveira Grand Prix. It was the best chance. We were excited, the fans too. All good and then… baaam! On the third lap.. .”.
