Oliveira Claims 'extra Special' Win In MotoGP Finale
Muhammad Irfan Published November 22, 2020 | 10:20 PM
Portimao, Portugal, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Nov, 2020 ) :Miguel Oliveira said it was "extra special" to win his home MotoGP race in Portugal on Sunday for a dream finish to the season.
Jack Miller's second place in the Algarve ensured that Ducati sealed the constructors' title.
Oliveira followed up his maiden victory in Styria in August by taking the title under bright blue skies at Portimao in what was his first race in the premier class in his home country.
"It's unreal," said Oliveira afterwards. "You dream about these kinds of races and to finally be able to do it is incredible. I have no words to describe it, just my thanks to all the people and the crowd watching at home that couldn't be here today. To them I say thank you and to my team as well.
"It's a great day and a huge accomplishment for me. It's extra special because my family didn't get to see my first win live but they are here today so it's an incredible day for me, very emotional. I'm just glad to finish the season on such a high." The KTM Tech 3 rider's triumph means there was no record-breaking 10th race winner, with Fabio Quartararo, Brad Binder, Andrea Dovizioso, Franco Morbidelli, Maverick Vinales, Danilo Petrucci, Alex Rins and already-crowned champio Joan Mir making it nine victors at the end of a highly unpredictable World Championship.
Morbidelli came out on top of a six-way battle for the runners-up spot, despite being pipped to second place on the last lap by Australian Miller.
Italian Morbidelli finishes in the overall standings 13 points behind Mir, who had confirmed his first world title in Valencia last weekend.
Miller's strong finish meanwhile ensured Ducati claimed the constructors' title for the first time since 2007 at the expense of Suzuki, whose hopes were dashed after a disappointing weekend for Mir.
Mir started the race in 20th and had to retire due to electronic problems but the Spaniard will not worry too much, having already become the first Suzuki rider to be crowned champion since 2000.
Alex Rins took third place overall and Maverick Vinales fourth, meaning Spain boasted three of the championship's top four. Frenchman Fabio Quartararo, who won the first two races of the season, ended up fifth.
Portimao was hosting the country's first race in the championship since 2012, with Oliveira already posting a record time in qualifying on Saturday.
He started in pole position and led all the way through to complete a fairytale victory, the only shame being that there were no fans in the Algarve to see it.
Oliveira still celebrated by carrying a Portuguese flag around his lap of honour.
Nine-time champion Valentino Rossi, meanwhile, continued a disappointing end to the season for Yamaha by finishing 12th, in what was Rossi's final appearance before he switches to the satellite team in 2021.
Britain's Cal Crutchlow was also bidding farewell to his full-time MotoGP career. He enjoyed a bright start but faded, dropping back to 13th.
Australian Remy Gardner secured his first Moto2 victory in Portimao with Italian Eenea Bastianini crowned 2020 world champion.
Spaniard Raul Fernandez won the Moto3 race with compatriot Albert Arenas taking the title after finished 12th after a thrilling finale to the season.
Recent Stories
Tennis: ATP Barcelona Open results - 1st update
Swiatek's perfect 10 in Stuttgart as Vondrousova stuns Sabalenka
Arandu's roads closed due to flooding
Oil tanker catches fire in Islamabad’s Blue Area
Pakistan committed to ensure safety of foreign nationals: FO
Tennis: WTA Stuttgart results - 1st update
Four passengers injured as train hit an empty vehicle
Over- speeding bus crushed to death two bike riders
Turkey's Freedom Flotilla ready to set sail for Gaza
French teen dies from heart failure after knife attack near school
Iranians appear unfazed by Isfahan blasts
UAF celebrates Int'l Chinese Language Day
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
20 hours ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
5 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
5 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
6 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
9 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
11 days ago
-
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
13 days ago -
Second phase of refugees’ repatriation to start after Eidul Fitr vacations
13 days ago -
Reaping bounties as Ramazan culminates
13 days ago -
Digital transformation – a boon or bane
13 days ago -
Plants’ business: Another casualty of climate change
15 days ago -
Eid shoppers prioritize children’s joy over personal comforts
15 days ago