Solid start for Team Andalucía Banca-Cívica, Moncayo 7th, Oliveira debuts with Top 10

The first race of the season has been full of emotion for the Team Andalucía Banca-Cívica. Riders Moncayo and Oliveira aimed for the maximum, but the characteristics of this first Grand Prix didn’t make things easy for them. Alberto finished in 7th place after a thrilling end of the race. Miguel made his debut in the championship in 10th.

Alberto Moncayo was aiming to improve his laptimes at the Qatar circuit, but the development of the bike was set for the strong wind which had been an issue at the circuit in the first days, but today, when there’s been a lot less wind than before, it’s been a bit problematic with the setup and the bike hasn’t been as quick.

Portuguese rider Miguel Oliveira made his debut with in the 125cc world championship and achieved an excellent 10th place. During free practice where he was 6th-fastest, Miguel did a great job, but some difficulties in the qualifying session determined his position on the grid and ultimately the outcome of the race.

Alberto Moncayo: “After this exciting race I’m half-satisfied. It was a very difficult race but also fun, we’ve had a few setting problems and I slowly lost the group I was with, but I didn’t give up and towards the end of the race I had better pace than them, I could hunt Zarco, Viñales and Salom and fight with them for sixth place. But what I gained in the corners I lost on the straight and this also happened when I reached the end of the race in 6th position, due to the lack of top speed I was passed on the straight and finished 7th. It wasn’t a bad race, but it is a pity that I couldn’t be a bit further up, because I could see I had the pace to even be fighting for the podium. In any case it has been a positive race and I think we are on track for a great season this year. “

Miguel Oliveira: “It’s a shame because and I did a bad start. During practice I did test starts several times and everything went well, but this time I didn’t start well. I made up some positions in the early laps, but I was a bit too far away from the group with Alberto, Viñales, Zarco and Salom and I couldn’t catch up. I stayed in that position and when you ride alone it’s very difficult to catch up. Anyway I’m happy because I’ve seen that I was going the same laptimes as this group and I think I can fight for positions a little higher up. This was my first race, I am very happy and now I have to work for the next one in Jerez where I hope to have a better start and do a great job.”

Source: Team Machado