The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship arrives at the iconic Circuito do Estoril for the EICMA Estoril Round — and with the title fight hanging in the balance, anticipation is reaching fever pitch. Thursday’s media sessions set the tone for what could be a decisive weekend in the 2025 campaign, as riders and team bosses weighed in on expectations, form, and futures.
Here’s how the paddock is shaping up before the lights go out on Friday.
Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team): “I wasn’t able to do a hat trick here last year, so I want to try to do that this time.”
Toprak Razgatlioglu returns to a circuit that holds unfinished business. The Turkish star, still very much in the title conversation, arrives at Estoril determined to go one better than in 2024.
“I’m really happy to be back at Estoril — it’s a track I love, and usually we’re strong here,” he said. “It looks like we’ll have good weather, and we’re 100% ready to fight again. I remember the Tissot Superpole Race last year — Nicolo had better acceleration with the SCQ tyre, and I didn’t expect his grip to hold up that long. It ended in a photo finish, and I’ll never forget it.
“Everyone is talking about Nicolo this weekend, but it’s the same for me — one mistake, one issue, and everything can change. I’m not waiting for him to crash or have a problem; I just want to win. If he finishes P2 in every race, we’ll have to wait for Jerez, but my focus is only on victory. I couldn’t make the hat trick last year, so that’s the goal this time.”
Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati): “I feel more ready and more comfortable, so I’ll try to be faster than last year.”
For Nicolo Bulega, Estoril brings back memories of one of his finest performances — a Superpole Race win over Razgatlioglu that proved a turning point in his rookie campaign.
“We’re coming here after a strong weekend in Aragon, and motivation is high,” said Bulega. “Last year was good, but not great. I was still learning — I had two second places and one win. Now I feel more comfortable, more experienced, and ready to fight.
“Toprak was incredibly fast then. I remember telling myself I had to stay with him, especially through the last two corners where I was stronger. That confidence helped me build for the rounds that followed. Hopefully, we can be faster this time.”
Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team): “He’s a really good guy… When he’s in good form, he can beat all the other riders.”
Even an injury can’t dampen Danilo Petrucci’s determination. Despite a recent hand fracture sustained in an unfortunate gym accident, the Italian veteran remains focused on ending his Barni Racing journey on a high.
“Physically, I’m okay apart from the hand,” he explained. “I was training with resistance bands, one slipped, and I hit my hand against a wall. It’s ridiculous — riders usually get injured on motocross bikes, and I did it in the gym! There’s a small fracture with three screws, but I’ll manage.
“We’re still fighting for third in the Championship and to finish as top Independent again. That’s the target before I move on. As for 2026, I’m excited to have Miguel Oliveira as a teammate. We worked together at KTM in 2021 — he’s a great guy and, when he’s on form, he can beat anyone. I can’t wait to start working with him.”
Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha): “I know Xavi will give 100%, and his style will suit the R1.”
For Jonathan Rea, Estoril marks the beginning of the end of a legendary era. The six-time World Champion is preparing for his penultimate round as a full-time rider, and the emotions are beginning to show.
“It’s strange — probably the toughest bag-pack I’ve ever had,” Rea admitted. “I’ll be staying out between Estoril and Jerez, and it’s starting to hit me. Still, we’re coming off strong Sundays at Aragon and Magny-Cours, so confidence is good.
“We’ve made big improvements with the Yamaha, though everyone else has too. The level is higher than ever. If we can qualify well, I see no reason we can’t fight for the top five.
“Back in 2020, I won my sixth title here — that memory always makes this place special. As for next year, I think Xavi [Vierge] will fit in perfectly at Yamaha. He’s a true professional, and his style really suits the R1.”
Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven): “It’s my last year with GoEleven, and I want to finish in the best way possible.”
Andrea Iannone arrives in Portugal looking to end his final season with Team GoEleven on a high — and perhaps secure his WorldSBK future in the process.
“I love this track; it’s always been good to me,” Iannone said. “We’re targeting the top five — we’ve missed it a few times this year, but the pace is there. It’s my last year with GoEleven, and I want to finish strongly.
“I’m confident I’ll be on the grid next year. There’s a big project coming, and my team — especially Gelete Nieto and my brother — have been working hard to make it happen. Hopefully, we can confirm everything soon.”
Ryan Vickers (Motocorsa Racing): “Things are still up in the air… My ambition is to continue in WorldSBK.”
British rider Ryan Vickers continues to make steady progress in his rookie WorldSBK campaign. As he learns yet another new circuit, his focus remains on staying inside the points — and securing his future.
“The last few rounds have all been new tracks for me, so I’m getting used to learning fast,” Vickers said. “I’ve been watching past races and studying data. The goal is to edge closer to the top ten.
“There have been some discussions behind the scenes, and nothing is set yet — things are still up in the air. Of course, I’d love to stay in WorldSBK. For a rookie season, I think we’ve shown good speed, and a second year would make a big difference.”
Jose Escamez (Honda HRC Team Manager): “They are two riders with lots of potential from different classes and lots of experience…”
As Honda prepares for change, outgoing team boss Jose Escamez spoke about the future lineup — and his own impending departure.
“I think Chantra and Dixon are excellent choices,” he said. “They come from different classes but both have strong potential and experience. They’ll need time to adapt — some tracks they’ll know, others they’ll have to learn.
“Next season, Yuji Mori will take over as Team Manager. He’s been involved with the project for a while, so continuity is strong. Iker [Lecuona] still needs a bit of time after injury, but he’s improving. Xavi [Vierge] is in good form too — Estoril could be a great chance for him to show what he can do.”
Sven Blusch (Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport): “After we knew Toprak was leaving, we wanted to push as hard as possible for the 2026 Championship as well.”
BMW’s Sven Blusch confirmed that Miguel Oliveira’s signing for 2026 was carefully planned — and that the focus remains on delivering the 2025 title before moving forward.
“Announcing Miguel here in Portugal feels perfect,” Blusch said. “He’s a home hero, and we’re thrilled to have him. After securing Danilo, we were already planning ahead for 2026, and Miguel was our top choice.
“Still, the priority is the present — we need to close out this Championship properly. After learning Toprak would move on, we pushed hard to strengthen for the future. With two riders who already know each other from MotoGP, we can maintain a strong team spirit.
“For now, though, it’s all about three clean races. No mistakes, no risks — just focus on the job at hand. The Championship will take care of itself if we execute perfectly.”
The Stage Is Set
As the Estoril Round kicks off, the atmosphere in the paddock is one of both intensity and transition. With titles on the line, new alliances forming for 2026, and legends preparing their farewells, the weekend promises emotion, drama, and possibly — celebration.
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