The Portuguese driver was transported to the medical center of the Red Bull Ring circuit, in Spielberg, Austria, to undergo diagnostic tests, which, at first sight, did not indicate the presence of any fracture. However, the Almada rider did not participate in the second session, held this afternoon, which had the Italian Lorenzo Salvadori (Aprilia) fastest.

The Portuguese driver's press conference promoted by the KTM team was also cancelled. In statements released by the press office of the Austrian team, Miguel Oliveira showed himself, “first of all, disappointed by the beginning of the weekend”. “During the [first] session, the brake fluid reservoir was too close to the levers and I couldn't stop the bike, so I went into the pits a few times until I realised what was going on and improved performance. When I got back to the track, I went a little wide in turn three, accelerated out of the trajectory and lost traction control”, explained Oliveira.

According to the Portuguese driver, he was thrown “in the air” and was “hit by the handlebars before landing”. “That's what hurt me the most. We have been looking for bigger damages to see if we can continue and what we can do”, concluded Miguel Oliveira, who returned this weekend to the scene of his first victory in the MotoGP World Championship, in 2020.

On Saturday, two more free practice sessions and qualification for Sunday's race are planned, the 10th of the 2021 calendar and the first after a five-week break for the summer vacation. Miguel Oliveira arrives at this round that marks the beginning of the second half of the season in seventh position, with 85 points, 71 behind the leader, Frenchman Fábio Quartararo (Yamaha).