Oliveira Reflects on Nationwide Support in MotoGP; Mourinho’s View on Motorsports
Portuguese MotoGP rider Miguel Oliveira recently took part in the Portuguese Grand Prix in Portimao, where he experienced huge support from local fans and a special visit from legendary football coach Jose Mourinho. Oliveira, who drove for the Trackhouse team in the Aprilia RS-GP, had his ups and downs throughout the weekend, but the support of the fans and Mourinho’s presence gave the event a special dimension.
Despite failing to repeat his dominant win from 2020, Oliveira stood out for the warm reception he received from the Portuguese fans. With over 72,000 spectators on Sunday and a total of 174,000 at the weekend, the support for the driver was overwhelming. Oliveira compared the support to that of Valentino Rossi, describing it as “unbelievable” and expressing his gratitude for the nationwide unity in his support.
In a surprising twist, Jose Mourinho, famous for his football career, was present at the event and declared that he prefers MotoGP to Formula 1. Oliveira said that Mourinho admitted that MotoGP was “better than F1”, despite having participated in several Formula 1 race in the past. This discovery brought an interesting perspective to the event, highlighting the appeal and excitement of motor racing.
During the race, Oliveira encountered difficulties, starting 15th on the grid and finishing 9th after a series of incidents. However, he appreciated the support of the fans and the unique experience of competing at home, describing it as a source of pressure and motivation.
Mourinho’s presence also brought an element of prestige to the event, with the coach interacting with the drivers and expressing his enthusiasm for the sport. Oliveira described the meeting as “very cool” and emphasized the pleasure of meeting Mourinho in person.
All in all, the Portuguese MotoGP Grand Prix in Portimão was characterized by a combination of fervent support from the fans and the presence of a cult figure from the world of football. As Oliveira reflects on his achievements on the pitch, he also celebrates the support of the Portuguese nation and the opportunity to share the stage with prominent figures from different sporting spheres.