KTM Moto2 rider Oliveira completes maiden MotoGP test

Oliveira has led the Ajo KTM team's efforts in its debut Moto2 season this year, the Portuguese rider currently sitting third in the standings with four podium finishes.

He is in his second year in Moto2, having graduated to the intermediate class in 2016 after becoming the 2015 Moto3 runner-up behind Danny Kent, a feat he also achieved with KTM.

Oliveira sampled the RC16 MotoGP machine raced by Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith on Friday.

"The goal was not that I was to get really fast but it was a test for myself to enjoy the day," said the 22-year-old.

"I had this opportunity that I think every rider would like to have in his career at least one time but I’m really pleased to have had the chance to try that bike.

"So all in all it was a very good day to do a few laps and enjoy a MotoGP bike. Thank you KTM."

Oliveira was one of four riders taking part in the Aragon test, as MotoGP regulars Espargaro and Smith were also joined by regular tester Mika Kallio.

KTM team manager Mike Leitner described the test as "amazing", with Smith saying the team worked on the bike's weakest points.

"The great thing is that we had two days here before the summer break," said Smith. "The guys worked extremely hard and we touched on some really important points in our weakest area so from that point of view we are super happy with that work and direction.

"We ended up being very busy with a great deal of laps to confirm everything, but I really feel this will give the team good direction for the second half of the season, and for 2018 as well."

KTM completed the first half of its maiden MotoGP season with a best finish of 11th at Assen, and lies 18 points behind nearest rival Aprilia in the manufacturers' championship.