The MotoGP arrives in Europe for the first Portuguese race: here’s the rundown of this weekend’s events.
After Australia, it’s time to fly to Europe for the WorldSBK: currently, Bulega is leading the standings, followed by Bautista and Iannone. The Italian rider is leading with almost a 30-point advantage over the followers after just one weekend, making him the favorite at the Portimão track.
The reigning world champion, Toprak Razgatlioglu, didn’t have the best start to the season: the Turkish rider, who retired in Race 2 at Phillip Island, is currently in a “middle ground” with only 20 points. However, this could be his chance for redemption, considering that last year he took the top spot in all three races.
Attention is also on rookie Yari Montella, who exclusively told us: “I like tracks that are a bit more special, like Phillip Island, Portimão, and Estoril.” Interestingly, it was on this track last season that he won both Race 1 and Race 2 in WorldSSP.
Italian Timetable of the WorldSBK in Portimão
FRIDAY, MARCH 28
11:35 – 12:20 – Free Practice 1
16:00 – 16:45 – Free Practice 2
SATURDAY, MARCH 29
10:00 – 10:20 – FP3
12:00 – 12:15 – Superpole
15:00 – Race 1 (20 laps)
SUNDAY, MARCH 30
10:00 – 10:10 – Warm Up
12:00 – Superpole Race (10 laps)
15:00 – WorldSBK Race 2 (20 laps)
As for the WEATHER, it looks like perfect conditions: three days of sunshine on the Portuguese coast, with temperatures expected to range between 17 and 20°C throughout the weekend. A sunny and lightly windy climate will dominate the famous ups and downs of Portimão, where the riders are ready to face off.
Photo: WorldSBK