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Red Bull KTM toasted their second MotoGP victory in the space of two weeks with Miguel Oliveira’s brilliantly judged first-ever success at the weekend’s Grand Prix of Styria.

The 25-year-old Portuguese rider not only claimed the first win for his Red Bull KTM Tech3 team in MotoGP but also for Portugal.

Australian Jack Miller (Ducati) finished runner-up, while Spain’s Pol Espargaro (KTM) fought for the chequered flag until the last corner and scored his second career podium in third place. KTM had all four RC16s in the top 10; more than any other brand, while Celestino Vietti posted KTM’s second Moto3 victory in a row.

A second Grand Prix in the space of seven days took place in the picturesque but challenging setting of the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria.

Espargaro set off from pole position for the fifth outing of the season. The Spaniard launched from P1 for what was the first pole for the factory (and the rider) in less than four terms in the premier class of MotoGP and just four years after KTM had announced their MotoGP plans and ambitions at the same circuit.

An accident midway through the 28-lap spectacle produced the red flag for an air fence to be repaired at turn one. The 900th premier class race was restarted with a 12-lap distance and with all four KTM RC16s hunting the leading group. Espargaro surged to the front and engaged in a thrilling duel with Miller on the last circulation. Oliveira was also extremely close and poised to make the most of any mistake.

When Espargaro and Miller ran deep into the final turn Oliveira read the situation to perfection; powering past to claim the chequered flag on what was his 150th Grand Prix start. The result was also noteworthy for Red Bull KTM Tech3, representing their maiden triumph in the premier class in just their second campaign wearing KTM colours.

South African Brad Binder secured 8 points for 8th position and remains 4th in a very close world championship table. The South African rookie was again very quick to make ground with the front-runners.

Oliveira’s success ended Ducati’s clean sweep at the Red Bull Ring since 2016.

Miguel Oliveira: “I’m very emotional…there is so much I want to say but I cannot at the moment. A big thank you to all the people that believed in me starting with my family, everyone in the team, sponsors and the Portuguese crowd. Thank you so much for your support. This is history today for me and my country and I couldn’t be happier to do it here in the home of KTM and Red Bull.”

Pol Espargaro: “Anyone can win those kinds of races! Pretty crazy. I was fighting with Jack until the last corner and Miguel was able to profit but that’s racing. It was a beautiful race. Anyway, we made the podium, we are up here and I’m super-happy.”

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Results MotoGP Grand Prix of Styria 2020

1. Miguel Oliveira (POR), KTM 16:65.025
2. Jack Miller (AUS), Ducati +0.316
3. Pol Espargaro (ESP), KTM +0.540
4. Joan Mir (ESP), Suzuki +0.641
5. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA) Ducati +1.414

Results Moto2 Grand Prix of Styria 2020

1. Marco Bezzecchi (ITA) 37.12.461
2. Jorge Martin (ESP) KTM Ajo
3. Remy Gardner (AUS) +1.027

Results Moto3 Grand Prix of Styria 2020

1. Celestino Vietti (ITA) KTM 37:10.319
2. Tony Arbolino (ITA) Honda +0.410
3. Ai Ogura (JPN) Honda +0.938

Championship standings: