Tech3 keeping 'fingers crossed' for Olivera fitness

Forced to withdraw from the Misano test after just two laps, Red Bull KTM Tech3 are keeping their fingers crossed that Miguel Oliveira's shoulder injury will have improved for this weekend's San Marino MotoGP.

The Portuguese was taken out in a friendly-fire clash with Johann Zarco at the British MotoGP when the factory KTM rider made an ill-fated attempt to pass.

The significance of the incident worsened when Oliveira's shoulder pain, later diagnosed as tendon damage, emerged the following day.

The rookie, who took his best MotoGP finish to date with eighth place at the previous race in Austria, attempted to take part in the Misano test later that week but was still in pain and advised not to make the injury worse.

"We arrive in Misano with a bit of worry in our heads," said team manager Herve Poncharal. "Miguel was hit by another rider in Silverstone and although we thought he was physically ok after that unnecessary accident, back in Portugal he found out that there was a tendon damage on his right shoulder.

"Still thinking it was not that bad he had two days treatment and flew to Misano for the test, but after just two laps it was 'game over' for the test and some heavy concern regarding his participation in Misano and the following grand prix in Aragon.

"I have been talking to Miguel almost on a daily basis. He seems to be recovering, but we will only know if he can ride on the Friday morning in FP1.

"For us this is a big setback, because Miguel since he’s back from the summer break, was riding better and better.

"Thanks to KTM, the new improved parts gave him a lot of confidence and it was a very exciting moment for us, that unfortunately has been stopped for a while.

"So, we really have our fingers crossed hoping he’s going to be fine for Misano."

Oliveira is 'optimistic' he'll be fit after undergoing extensive treatment in the ten days since the test.

“I’ve been doing a lot of physiotherapy and seeing specialists to improve my condition," he said. "I’m putting in all the effort I can to be 100 percent in Misano.

"For sure, these things normally take time, but I’m quite optimistic about my physical condition, especially we are very motivated to do good results, so hopefully we can start the San Marino GP where we left off in Silverstone.”

Team-mate Hafizh Syahrin arrives at Misano on the back of his best KTM finish of 13th at Silverstone.

“I’m really looking forward to the San Marino GP. We’ve already done two days of testing, which gave me some good sensations," Syahrin said. "I also have some nice memories here from two years ago when I was second in the Moto2 race.

"I will try to improve myself overall, which is not going to be easy, but the plan is to push harder and go faster every time we go out on track. I was training well between the test and this weekend, so let’s see what we can do during this weekend.”

Syahrin, still to announce his 2020 grand prix plans, will join Franco Morbidelli and Michael van der Mark in December's Sepang 8 Hours endurance race.