Stepping up to the MXGP class is never easy, but for Spain’s Oriol Oliver, the transition to MXGP has went well—so far. Five rounds into his rookie campaign, the young talent has already shown flashes of top ten speed, proving he has the pace to run with the world’s best on the demanding 450cc machinery. While small mistakes and misfortune have denied him even stronger results on paper, the underlying progress is clear—and perhaps more importantly, so is his confidence.
We caught up with Oliver as he reflects on his encouraging start to life in MXGP, the challenges of adapting to the power and intensity of the class, and the fine margins that define success at the highest level. He also opens up about a difficult winter off the bike, the motivation it has given him moving forward, and how additional race time in the British Championship is helping him continue to build momentum ahead of the next Grand Prix.
GateDrop: Oriol, we are five rounds into the MXGP season – how would you sum up the start of the season – your rookie season in the class?
Oliver: I would say it has been a positive start of the season. I feel every step we are making and that’s good to see. The team is also working hard and we’ve been putting good work together, there is a good environment and I am really happy to be with them in my rookie MXGP season.
GateDrop: You’ve pretty much been top ten pace and if it wasn’t for some small crashes, would have more top ten results. You must be happy with your pace on the 450cc?
Oliver: Yeah riding wise, there is only one or two moto’s that I was not happy, but overall I am riding well – maybe it has been hard to put two moto’s together. In Argentina, the first moto I broke the shift lever in moto one, then the first moto in Spain I had a DNF because of a technical issue. Then a start crash in the first moto in Switzerland made my race hard. I know we all have crashes or issues sometimes, but to make it happen in Arco with two solid races was nice.
GateDrop: The level of MXGP this year looks incredible. What’s it like to race in the class at the moment? For a rookie it looks tough!
Oliver: The tougher it is, the more rewarding it is. I am enjoying every race and it gives you motivation racing with all the good riders we have in the class.
GateDrop: Have you surprised yourself at how fast you are on the 450cc? You are quite small and the 450cc is quite a handful!
Oliver: I am happy with the starts. I know I am a good starter but in MX2 with the factory bikes it was hard to make it happen… About the riding, during the first weeks I realised when you get a bit tired, the track is rough and you are still pushing, it can kick you hard with the power it has, with that I was a bit surprised, but you learn it and adapt.
GateDrop: Is there something that has surprised you the most about the MXGP class?
Oliver: What I have been learning is that a small detail can make a big difference in MXGP. Not that in MX2 it was different, but with how is MXGP this year, it is important to be comfortable on your bike, not that I didn’t know it, but in this class it’s even more important to touch the right thing.
GateDrop: How was your winter? There was some tragic news with the passing of your partner’s brother. That must have been so tough to deal with?
Oliver: Yes, what happened with Enzo was tough to believe. He is a great person that we will remember and will always be my little brother. Tough times makes strong people, and he would have loved to see the #83 there in front of the pack. Before the news i was doing okay, just getting used to the 450cc riding wise. When we went to Sardinia we started to push a bit more and we did a good result in the pre season race in Alghero. It gave us motivation to keep improving and see that we can do a good year.
GateDrop: How motivated are you to try and make Enzo even more proud of you?
Oliver: For sure more, for me, for him and the family.
GateDrop: There’s a break in the MXGP calendar – what sort of things will you work on before France?
Oliver: We already did some testing and we got better on some things with WP so I am really happy about that. We are also putting some hours in on the training to get better physically and try to achieve the next step. We have two races of the British Championship before Lacapelle, so will be good to see if we are in a better spot and make good racing before heading France.
GateDrop: You’ve raced the first two rounds of the British Championship. MX1 looks like a good series this year and you’ve a few rounds before France – how are you finding that series?
Oliver: It’s nice. When you race a championship apart from MXGP and you have the possibility to win it’s a good motivation. The tracks they get quite rough and its one day format, that helps if we have races between GP’s. Also, it’s a positive for the sponsors from the team, so its good for all of us.
