MotoGP fans witnessed a frightening moment at the Mandalika circuit when Miguel Oliveira suffered a significant highside crash during practice. Now, the inside story can be told as Oliveira himself has shed light on what led to his major Mandalika crash, revealing an unexpected technical failure as the primary cause.
Initial speculation surrounding the incident varied, but Oliveira has now clarified that a technical issue with his Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP was to blame. According to the rider, an electronics malfunction within the bike’s control unit triggered a sudden and complete loss of traction control. This crucial electronic aid, vital for managing the power of a MotoGP machine, failed without warning, leaving Oliveira with no control as the rear tire lost grip and pitched him off.
“The crash was due to bad luck: there was a short circuit in the bike’s control unit,” Oliveira explained in a post-season interview. This short circuit effectively disabled the traction control system that riders heavily rely on to maintain stability, particularly when leaning through corners at high speeds.
The consequences of this technical failure were severe for Oliveira. The violent nature of the highside resulted in a fracture to his right wrist, an injury that sidelined him for a significant portion of the 2024 season. This unfortunate incident not only took him out of the Indonesian Grand Prix but also heavily impacted his championship aspirations and his final races with the Trackhouse Aprilia team.
Oliveira’s inside story highlights the intricate and often unpredictable nature of MotoGP racing, where even the smallest technical gremlin can have dramatic and painful consequences. The reliance on sophisticated electronics to control these powerful machines means that any system failure can lead to dangerous situations for the riders.
Despite the setback and the frustration of an injury caused by a technical fault, Oliveira has shown his characteristic resilience. As he moves to a new chapter in his MotoGP career, both he and his supporters will be hoping for a season free from such unfortunate incidents, allowing his talent and determination to shine through.