Oliveira Back in the Points: “A Mental Boost After Tough Races”

After a string of disappointing races, Miguel Oliveira finally found some relief at the Hungarian Grand Prix with a solid ride to 12th place, scoring valuable championship points and regaining confidence in the process. The Pramac Racing Yamaha rider admitted that a small mistake on the penultimate lap cost him an even stronger result, but he was quick to highlight the positives of his weekend, calling it “a boost” after a difficult run of form.

Oliveira Admits to Late-Race Error

In the closing stages of the race, Oliveira had been battling just outside the top 10, determined to bring home a strong result. He looked set for 11th place, but a small mistake opened the door for Ai Ogura to get past.

“I’m sorry about the mistake on the penultimate lap that cost me 11th place,” Oliveira explained. “I knew Ogura was trying to catch me, so I started pushing hard to defend myself and not give him any chance. Unfortunately, at the braking zone into Turn 5 I ran wide, and he got past.”

The error was frustrating for the Portuguese star, but it didn’t overshadow the overall positives. After several tough races where he failed to score, Oliveira’s return to the points was a significant step forward.

A Consistent Race Brings Confidence

While Oliveira admitted the lost position was a “shame,” he stressed the importance of the performance as a whole. His approach during the race was focused on maintaining rhythm and consistency, using the riders ahead of him as references to measure his pace.

“Overall I’m fairly satisfied with my race,” he said. “I tried to stay very consistent, using the riders in front as my reference. After a few difficult races, I’m back in the points, and on a track that, on paper, should have been tough for us, that gives me a boost.”

Consistency has been a challenge for Oliveira in recent rounds, but Hungary showed signs that the Yamaha satellite project is making progress. Despite the M1’s well-known disadvantages in top speed and acceleration, Oliveira managed to hold his own in the competitive midfield battle.

The Importance of a Mental Boost

For Oliveira, the most important takeaway from Hungary wasn’t just the four championship points—it was the mental reset. MotoGP is as much about psychology as machinery, and riders often stress the need to feel comfortable and confident on the bike. Oliveira had been struggling with confidence after a series of races where he lacked competitiveness, but finishing in the points helped him regain belief.

“The mental boost is very important,” Oliveira admitted. “It’s not just about results on paper, but about knowing that we can fight and that the work we are doing is starting to bring results.”

This mental boost could prove crucial as the championship moves into its second half, with races coming at circuits that may suit Yamaha’s strengths better than Hungary.

A Step Forward for Pramac Yamaha

The 2025 season has been one of adaptation for both Oliveira and Pramac Racing, which made the bold switch from Ducati to become Yamaha’s first satellite team. The project is still in its early stages, and both team and riders have had to manage growing pains. Results have been inconsistent, but Oliveira’s top-12 finish shows that progress is happening.

Hungary was a circuit that, on paper, should have highlighted Yamaha’s weaknesses. The long straights and acceleration zones tend to expose the lack of top-end performance compared to Ducati, KTM, and Aprilia. Yet Oliveira managed to fight competitively throughout the race, a sign that the bike setup is improving and that the team is learning how to extract the best from the M1.

Building Momentum for the Second Half of the Season

Looking ahead, Oliveira will aim to build on this result and carry momentum into upcoming rounds. Circuits with flowing layouts and fewer long straights should play more into Yamaha’s hands, giving Oliveira and his teammate more chances to target the top 10.

The Portuguese rider has already shown flashes of speed this season, but consistency has been the missing ingredient. If he can use this performance as a foundation, Oliveira could re-establish himself as a regular points finisher and even fight for stronger results when opportunities arise.

The second half of the season will also be a test of endurance and focus. With several back-to-back race weekends on the calendar, maintaining rhythm will be essential. For Oliveira, avoiding mistakes and continuing to extract the maximum from the Yamaha package will be the key to steady progress.

Oliveira’s Fighting Spirit

One of the most admired qualities about Oliveira throughout his career has been his resilience. Whether in Moto3, Moto2, or now MotoGP, he has consistently shown the ability to bounce back after setbacks. His determination in Hungary to fight for every position, even when under pressure from Ogura, is proof of his never-give-up mentality.

Although he ran wide and lost out on 11th place, Oliveira’s approach was aggressive and determined, showing that he still has the drive to compete at the highest level. Fans and analysts alike have praised his ability to stay motivated even during tough times, and Hungary was another example of that spirit.

A Positive Sign for the Future

While a 12th-place finish may not make headlines, it could represent a turning point in Oliveira’s season. Scoring points again, finding consistency, and leaving Hungary with renewed motivation are all steps in the right direction. For both the rider and Pramac Yamaha, this result is evidence that progress is being made, even if slowly.

Oliveira now faces the challenge of turning this one-off boost into a consistent trend. The MotoGP grid is more competitive than ever, with small margins separating large groups of riders. To regularly finish in the points, Oliveira will need to continue refining his race craft, qualifying performances, and bike setup.

If Hungary was a test of patience and resilience, then Oliveira passed. The points finish may not feel like a victory, but mentally, it may prove even more valuable.

Conclusion

Miguel Oliveira’s 12th place in Hungary was not just about points on the scoreboard—it was about regaining confidence, proving progress, and reminding himself that he belongs in the fight. The mistake in the closing laps was unfortunate, but it didn’t overshadow the fact that he delivered one of his most consistent performances of the year.

For Oliveira and Pramac Yamaha, this result is a small but meaningful step forward. With renewed confidence and momentum, the Portuguese rider will now look to carry this energy into the next rounds, where he hopes to turn a mental boost into even stronger results.