Two weeks after Qatar, the second round of the MotoGP season is already this weekend: the Portuguese GP. The Algarve International Circuit is the stage for another round that is expected to be full of emotions, with many points of interest.
Portugal was first on the calendar in 2000, always staying in Estoril until 2012. In 2020, the pandemic was the opportunity for the GP to return, but in Portimão. And, although it was initially a temporary solution, it remains on the calendar until today. It will be the sixth time at the Algarve track, which has provided exciting races.
Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GasGas Tech3/KTM) faces his second round of his career. Once again, and as will happen until the German GP in June, the Spanish rider could make history: if he wins the race, he will be the youngest ever to do so, breaking a record held by Marc Márquez since 2013.
But, as is natural, there are many more pilots vying for the top spots and even more favorites. Right away Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati), championship leader and winner in Losail; or his rival in last year’s title fight, Jorge Martín (Prima Pramac/Ducati) who is always a strong possibility to win in the Sprint race.
Ducati, based on everything they have shown, is the clear favorite for Portugal, as they are the dominant force at the moment. In Portimão they already have two victories, as many as Yamaha – which judging by recent form is unlikely to add to their tally this year: the issue is the lack of competitiveness of the bike, not the riders Álex Rins and especially Fabio Quartararo who won in Portugal in 2021 and 2022.
KTM also showed a high level in Qatar and could emerge as Ducati’s main rival, especially with Brad Binder and, as mentioned, Pedro Acosta should not be discounted. Aprilia is also not far from the top, but Aleix Espargaró and Maverick Viñales were unable to translate that potential into results in Qatar. In the satellite Trackhouse Racing team, special mention goes to Miguel Oliveira – who is racing at home, on a stage where he won dominantly in 2020.
With the Autódromo do Algarve posing a real challenge to the riders, whose abilities and qualities will once again be put to the test, we can expect an exciting and spectacular Portuguese GP for the fans. Despite Ducati’s dominance and the reduced competitiveness of Honda and Yamaha, the field is quite balanced and every tenth of a second counts in what is expected to be another titanic battle for glory.
