Miguel Oliveira: I have the skills to be MotoGP champion

After four seasons in MotoGP with KTM, first at Tech3 and then the factory Red Bull squad, Miguel Oliveira has amassed three victories, the most by any RC16 competitor.

But while other riders of his 'era' such as Fabio Quartararo, Joan Mir and Francesco Bagnaia have finished first or second in the world championship, Oliveira's best ranking remains just ninth, in 2020.

"I feel I haven't reached my fullest," Oliveira told MotoGP.com. "I think I've entered [MotoGP] in an era of Mir, Pecco and Fabio and they have already fought for big things.

"I feel myself with the same riding skills as them but I didn't have really the moment to be there yet.

"But it will arrive and so I believe my role in MotoGP is still a lot to be written and I see myself as a world champion. It's something that I think will be a matter of time. Not to sound arrogant or anything, but I believe I have the skills, I believe I can do it.

"So it's a matter of just putting in the work and grabbing the opportunity."

Oliveira's team-mate and fellow KTM race winner Brad Binder has signed with the Austrian factory until the end of 2024, but the Portuguese is - subject to any contract clauses - yet to decide his future beyond this year.

"I think results will always be important to decide the future," said the 27-year-old. "I'm always looking to welcome the most number of opportunities and doors open as possible, but of course now the focus is on this season and what's ahead.

"That's with KTM and I feel really welcome there in the structure. I feel like they see me as a valuable rider and ultimately a good asset to help them achieve also their goal. I always believe we can do it together.

"If I see they have what I want and vice versa of course the relationship will continue. But if along the way we see that something is not clicking, everyone needs to look for other opportunities. But it's so early in the season to talk about it!"

While Binder took a surprise second place in the Qatar opener, Oliveira left Lusail without any points after crashing from eleventh place at the midway stage.

Round two takes place at the new Mandalika circuit in Indonesia this weekend.