Oliveira twists on tarmac

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Awesome.” That was the response from Mahindra Racing team rider Miguel Oliveira after his visit to the Taj Mahal in February this year.

The motorcycle racer from Portugal began his Indian sojourn with a guided tour of the ‘Monument of Love’ and confessed that he was memerised by its beauty. This was Oliveira’s first visit to the country and he fell in love with the place and people here instantly.
“India is a truly fascinating country and it’s been a wonderful experience to see the Taj and meet my fans here. I look forward to more frequent visits to the country,” Oliveira said.
The 18-year-old also visited Mumbai and found it “very busy” and “crowded,” in comparison to Pragal in Portugal — the place where he belongs.
“I liked Mumbai very much, it’s a great city with a life of its own. But there was too much traffic, which was a bit stressful but at the same time fun,” the teenager said.
He has already picked up some Hindi lingo and the first word that he learnt was Namaste. “I am trying to learn a few more Hindi words!”
Oliveira started his international career in 2004 at the age of nine and eight years of dedicated effort has made him one of the most valuable riders in the motorcycle world.
“Yes, it’s true, I started quite early. My family is a big fan of motorsport and my dad was a rider. He was the one who pushed me into the world of motorsports. I can say that he was my inspiration. My family is very important to keep me balanced,” the rider said.
The youngster, who is currently in the twelfth grade and is studying science and technology, is not very fond of Indian food as he finds it a “bit spicy”. “The food is tasty but I must admit, a bit too hot for my tastebuds and that’s why I don’t have a favourite dish here,” he said.
Asked how he manages studies with his busy international schedule, he said, “It’s quite hard to manage both studies and my career in motorsports, but I am able to do it with the help and understanding of my teachers and classmates.”
Talking about his stint with the Mahindra team in a country where motorcycling is still taking baby steps, Oliveira said, “I like to take on challenges. Mahindra Racing offered a very interesting proposition. Moreover, it has the credibility of the 68-year-old Mahindra Group behind it here.”
While most overseas players are admirers of Indian beauty, the Portuguese said he was in love with his “Mahindra motorbike.” “I have one Indian girlfriend and her name is the Mahindra GP3O,” he ends on a lighter note.