Portimão back on the calendar
The season is nearing its denouement and MotoGP travels to the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão this week. The circuit is known as the ‘rollercoaster’ because of its large elevation changes and fast gradients. With 4.59 km and 15 corners, the track demands a lot from rider and machine. The start and finish straight of almost 1,000 metres leads to an impressive descent towards Turn 1, making braking late and control crucial.
Main teams and drivers
Most factory teams are taking fresh courage after the distant races. There are a number of notable changes and personal stories that grab attention this weekend.
Aprilia Racing sends Marco Bezzecchi and Lorenzo Savadori to Portimão. Bezzecchi wants to change gear quickly after a difficult weekend in Malaysia and defend his third place in the championship. Savadori replaces Jorge Martín; Martín is still missing after collarbone surgery and is undergoing additional medical checks this week.
Ducati Lenovo Team is experiencing a special weekend: Nicolò Bulega makes his MotoGP debut as Marc Márquez's replacement, riding his 100th World Cup race. Pecco Bagnaia arrives with good flow after a strong Sprint in Malaysia and is looking to continue defending his place on the podium.
Prima Pramac Yamaha is all about goodbyes: Miguel Oliveira may be racing for the last time in MotoGP in front of his own crowd before moving to WorldSBK. Oliveira and teammate Jack Miller are chasing a strong result at a circuit where Oliveira already won in 2020.
Monster Energy Yamaha is counting on Fabio Quartararo and Álex Rins to finish the season strongly. Quartararo wants to compete at the top again, Rins is looking for confirmation after mixed results. Both riders see Portimão as a good test for the last two weekends and towards 2026.
Honda HRC Castrol hopes Luca Marini and Joan Mir bring their form from the fly-away races to Europe. Marini is aiming for consistent qualifying and starts, Mir wants to return to the podium and relies on the circuit's strong braking zones.
Red Bull KTM Tech3 comes with Enea Bastianini and Pol Espargaró. Bastianini aims to solve his qualifying problem on one fast lap. Pol replaces Maverick Viñales, who gets an extra week for his recovery; for Espargaró, Portimão is also a special challenge mentally after his previous injury here.
What to follow this weekend
- Nicolò Bulega makes his MotoGP debut and achieves his 100th World Cup start.
- Miguel Oliveira possibly his last MotoGP race in front of his own crowd.
- Substitutions: Savadori is back in the Aprilia, Pol Espargaró replaces Viñales.
- Pecco Bagnaia and Marco Bezzecchi are both chasing strong results for the championship.
The weekend offers fast sectors and tough braking points. This always makes Portimão unpredictable: who will grab the right set-up straight away on Friday and who will come closer to the top in qualifying?
“I am very emotional: Portimão is special to me and racing in front of my own fans gives that extra something. I really want to enjoy it.” - Miguel Oliveira
Weekend schedule (local time)
Friday: FP1 at 10:45, Practice at 15:00. Saturday: FP2 at 10:10, Qualifying at 10:50, Sprint at 15:00 (12 laps). Sunday: Warm-up at 09:40, Race at 13:00 (25 laps).
With two races to go, every point is precious. Portimão promises spectacular action and some important personal moments. Brace yourselves: the rollercoaster awaits.
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