The roar of engines is set to echo once again as the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship heads to the scenic Autodromo Internacional do Algarve for its second round. Before the Pirelli Portuguese Round officially kicks off, the riders shared their thoughts and expectations during Thursday’s debriefs, offering a glimpse into their mindset as they prepare to tackle the challenging Portuguese circuit.
Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “A Home Win Would Be Unforgettable”
For Miguel Oliveira, racing on home soil in Portugal carries an extra layer of significance. “The first feeling is that I feel more ready for the weekend,” he shared, reflecting on his initial outing at Phillip Island and a subsequent test. “I feel more comfortable on the bike and that I am more myself.” The motivation to perform for his home crowd and his team is palpable. “Coming to my home round, I’m motivated to give the crowd and my team the best result possible. It would be extra special to get a podium or a win.” Oliveira emphasized the advantage of having prior preparation, stating, “We prepared the setup at the test, so we’re not coming in blindfolded.” However, he remains keenly aware of the competition, particularly Nicolo Bulega, acknowledging, “we need to be ready to challenge Bulega.” Racing in Portugal is more than just another event for Oliveira; it’s a privilege he approaches with renewed energy.
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “Portimao Presents a Different Challenge”
Fresh off a strong performance in Australia, Nicolo Bulega is looking forward to the Portimao weekend, albeit with a realistic outlook. “I’m happy to come here, especially after the great weekend in Australia,” he commented. “I hope to be fast here. Finally, we have good weather!” Bulega described his Phillip Island experience as fantastic, noting, “I had a very good feeling with the bike.” However, he anticipates a tougher challenge in Portugal. “I expect to struggle a little bit more here. There are a lot of fast guys on different bikes. I expect a little bit more of a mix compared to Phillip Island.” The recent test at Portimao was hampered by adverse weather conditions, limiting his track time. “The test was not very useful because the weather was still very bad. I did, I think, 25 laps. These 25 laps weren’t so bad. Then I had a crash, but it was a stupid crash; I’m not worried about that.” This suggests that while Bulega is a strong contender, Portimao’s unique characteristics and the competitive field might level the playing field.
Jonathan Rea (Honda HRC): “A Full Circle Moment with Honda”
Jonathan Rea’s return to the Honda fold carries a significant narrative. “It’s a nice story!” he exclaimed, recalling his debut at the front row alongside WorldSBK icon Troy Bayliss in 2008 during Bayliss’s final race. “I didn’t think about this concept or story so much when the deal came about… but it really is a full circle moment. It makes sense.” Rea expressed his contentment and commitment to his new team, stating, “I’m just happy to be back in Honda red and doing the best I can.” This reunion with the Japanese manufacturer marks a poignant chapter in his illustrious career.
Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team): “The Hand is Better, But Race Distance is the Concern”
Sam Lowes provided an update on his recovery from a significant crash at Phillip Island, which resulted in two fractures in his hand and wrist. “The hand feels good,” he confirmed after testing. “My only question mark is the last laps; the race distance will be difficult.” Lowes described the crash as one of the most substantial he’s experienced recently, stemming from a loss of rear grip on the entry to Turn 3. Despite the injury, he feels he’s in a better position than anticipated. “Happy to be back and I enjoy the track.” The test proved positive, with the team continuing to fine-tune ergonomics. “We’re still working on ergonomics a little bit, the seat and the tank to fit me better. At a track like this, it’s really important.” Lowes is optimistic about the weekend, aiming for a strong performance.
Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team): “Realistic Ambitions Despite a Strong Start”
Following a stellar opening round in Australia, where he secured two podiums, Axel Bassani remains grounded. “I feel quite normal,” he stated, acknowledging the strong start to his 2026 season. “We started with two podiums, which was a great way to start the season.” However, Bassani recognizes the distinct challenges Portimao presents. “The track here at Portimao is very different; we have to try to be as ready as we can.” His primary goal is consistent performance, regardless of the podium. “The goal is to always be at our best. If that’s not the podium, we have to try to stay positive, whether it is top five or top 10, but the important thing is to finish every race as best we can.” While acknowledging his second place in the Championship, he stressed the need for realism: “Being second in the Championship is nice, but we have to stay realistic and have a good weekend.” He also noted the benefit of having teammate Alex Bautista as a reference point: “Alex was really fast here, so we have a good reference to check from and see where we can improve.”
Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha): “Confidence Soaring After a Productive Test”
Xavi Vierge is heading into the Portimao round with renewed confidence, aiming for a podium finish in his second outing with Yamaha. “I’m super excited,” he said, despite a challenging start at Phillip Island. “We had a test here under really good conditions, which was important for us to test and find a new base. I’m super happy with the test, so I’m looking forward to this second round.” The test provided a crucial reset after the Australian round. “My confidence is really high after the test, so I’m taking that into the round. We needed that after what happened in Australia. I recovered the feeling and found some things that allowed me to go faster.” Vierge’s objective is clear: “Our target is to fight for the podium positions.”
Somkiat Chantra (Honda HRC): “Almost 100% and Eager to Debut”
Thai rider Somkiat Chantra is poised for his WorldSBK debut at Portimao, feeling close to full fitness after an arm injury. “I’m really happy to be back on the bike,” he expressed. “I wouldn’t ride at Phillip Island with the injury to my arm, but I’m happy to now be back for Round 2. I can’t wait to get started on Friday!” Chantra has been diligently recovering and practicing in Thailand. “I was at home in Thailand, improving day by day, practising as much as I could, and now I feel almost 100% again.” He’s looking forward to collaborating with his new teammate, Jonathan Rea. “I did the test with Jonathan Rea, we talked about the track and about the setting, and I’m happy to have him on my team. We will try together to be at the front.”
Tommy Bridewell (Superbike Advocates): “Challenging the Championship from the Outset”
For Tommy Bridewell, the Portimao round marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in WorldSBK. “I’m feeling great, I’m very optimistic and excited for this opportunity,” he stated. Bridewell’s journey to WorldSBK with Ducati was a long-held ambition, and he’s embracing the challenge. “I don’t want to sound cliche, but I’ve never ridden a bike like our Ducati Panigale V4R… Its electronics are where the advantage is, and that’s where I need to work.” He highlighted the unique data-sharing system with Ducati, which allows riders to learn from their teammates and other teams on the grid. “It makes our lives a lot easier; we’re not out on our own. There are eight other teams whose data we can look at.” Despite missing the Australian round and having limited dry track time, Bridewell is focused on consistent progress. “I am here to do well in the Championship, and that’s what I’m expecting for myself. I want to see a clear progression this season.”
Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team): “Building on Phillip Island’s Momentum”
Yari Montella aims to carry the positive momentum from Phillip Island to Portimao. “After the good vibes of Phillip Island, I want to continue this way,” he said. “It would be nice to do something like Phillip Island. This is a track that I like.” Montella revealed that he has adjusted his mindset and riding style following the Australian round. “I learnt a lot from the last round and last year. When we’re enjoying the bike, we usually go fast.” He is eager to see if the improvements made will translate to the Portuguese circuit. “I will see if the good step I made at Phillip Island continues here. We have to start from a good point.” While referencing his performance from the previous year, he acknowledges the differences with the current bike and aims to be as fast as possible from the outset.
Images Official WorldSBK
