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Why Oliveira was right to pass on 2020 works KTM ride

After Brad Binder broke his MotoGP duck after only three races at Brno on the bike that could have been his, Miguel Oliveira's decision to remain at Tech3 looked like the wrong one. But his Styrian GP win vindicates that choice, as his team boss explains

Lewis Duncan Aug 27, 2020, 3:37 PM

In Sunday's Styrian Grand Prix - the second race to be held at the Red Bull Ring this season and the 900th premier class contest - Tech3 rider Miguel Oliveira carried on KTM's banner year with its second victory in the space of three weeks, while making history for Tech3 and Portugal by taking the first win for both in MotoGP. It was a momentous day for Herve Poncharal's plucky squad, stalwarts of 30 years in grand prix racing.

Founded in 1990, the French outfit began life in the 250cc class and took French rider Olivier Jacque to the 2000 intermediate class crown. It stepped up to the premier class the following season with Yamaha support, which it retained in MotoGP through to the end of the 2018 season. In that time, it tallied up 30 podiums courtesy of the likes of Cal Crutchlow, Johann Zarco, Andrea Dovizioso and Ben Spies.

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Author Lewis Duncan

Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary motorcycle racing reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.

While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers World Superbikes and road racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.