The FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship returned for further spectacular action in Race 2 at the Pirelli Portuguese Round. Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) fought back to win a reduced Race 2 after a stunning battle which resulted in the closest finish so far as WorldWCR delivers more action at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve.

0:120s: Photo finish to Race 2

Carrasco’s key moment came on the final lap after a brilliant drive out of the final corner as the Spaniard took the win from Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team), who claimed second – following in Carrasco’s slipstream. The #64 set the fastest lap but missed out on the victory, taking a further 20 points after finishing ahead of polesitter Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team) at the line. Just 0.120s separated the top three as WorldWCR continues to be as unpredictable as ever.

RED FLAG: Herrera leads the restart

It was a perfect launch off the line from Carrasco, with the #22 claiming the holeshot on the run to Turn 1 before polesitter Herrera made her move to take the lead for the first time at Turn 3. However, the red flag would come out after a crash at Turn 3 involving Nicole van Aswegen (Andalaf Racing) and Tayla Relph (TAYCO Motorsport), with both riders being taken to the medical centre for a check-up. Relph was later found to have a left lower leg injury, with no detected fractures.

Race 2 was soon restarted for a seven-lap race with the riders starting in their original grid positions. Herrera claimed the holeshot on the restart after a quick launch off the line, allowing the #6 to lead Carrasco and Beatriz Neila (Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha) on the opening lap. The front group began to battle, treating the Portuguese fans to overtakes at every opportunity, with Sanchez soon entering the fight. It was the battle of the late brakers, with Carrasco leading Herrera with just two laps remaining as the podium places continued to change.

FINAL DASH: Carrasco leaves it late

Entering the final lap Carrasco led Herrera, with the #6 pulling off a spectacular move at Turn 4 before Carrasco tried to respond instantly. It all came down to the final sector, with Carrasco looking for any opportunity as she lined up the perfect drive out of the final corner. Using the slipstream, Carrasco stormed to take victory in Race 1 with Sanchez following behind in second as Herrera dropped to third.

TOP 10: Dobbs battles to ninth

Missing out on a podium finish was Neila, who took fourth place after finishing a further 1.705s adrift from P3. However, it was still a strong result after finishing ahead of Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team), who rounded out the top five at Portimao. Meanwhile, Pakita Ruiz (PS Racing Team 46+1) was sixth, in front of Astrid Madrigal (ITALIKA Racing FIMLA) in seventh. The #83 was involved in an intense battle, finishing just 0.229s ahead of Ornella Ongaro (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) in P8. Meanwhile, Mallory Dobbs (Sekhmet Motorcycle Racing Team) took an impressive ninth after starting from 15^th on the grid, beating Emily Bondi (YART Zelos Black Knights Team) to the line.

Top six from WorldWCR Race 2, full results here:

1 Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team)

2. Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) +0.025s

3. Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team) +0.120s

4. Beatriz Neila (Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +1.825s

5. Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) +15.837s

6. Pakita Ruiz (PS Racing Team 46+1) +19.082s

Fastest lap: Sara Sanchez – 1’53.9292s

Championship standings

1 Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team) 129 points

2. Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team) 122

3. Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) 108

4. Beatriz Neila (Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha) 83

5. Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) 56

6. Pakita Ruiz (PS Racing Team 46+1) 50

Source: WorldSBK.com

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship took to track for one final before Sunday’s racing action commences at the Pirelli Portuguese Round. After just 10 minutes of running, it was Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) who took control, continuing an impressive form. It was a huge day for the #54 who had the opportunity to set a new record, with the chance to win 12 consecutive races in WorldSBK.

Razgatlioglu looked confident in Warm Up, ending the session 0.197s clear of Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) in P2. The British rider had yet another confidence-inspiring session after leading the opening stages of Race 1 on Saturday. Behind the #22 was Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), who claimed a late third, setting a strong time on his final flying lap. Meanwhile, Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha), will be aiming to bounce back after a quickshifter issue on Saturday, finishing Warm Up in fourth and ahead of Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati).

Sixth place went the way of top independent rider, Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team), who has yet to win in WorldSBK, finishing ahead of compatriot Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven). The #29 has yet to score any points this weekend, beating Axel Bassani in Warm Up, who continues to look strong in eighth as Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) and Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) rounded out the top 10. Meanwhile, Gardner’s teammate Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was down in 18^th position as all attention now turns to an unpredictable day of racing.

The top six from WorldSBK Warm Up, full results here:

1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’40.116

2. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +0.197

3. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.344

4. Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +0.470

5. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.538

6. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.542

The Superpole Race is next at Portimao, with lights out at 14:45 Local Time (UTC +1), so make sure you tune in using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now 50% off!

Source: WorldSBK.com

Race 1 for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship delivered further intense action on Saturday, with Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) continuing his impressive weekend at the Pirelli Portuguese Round, with the Italian making a magical return to the podium. After an incredible race, the Italian would storm to take a sensational result – finishing third at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve. This podium claimed a further 16 points in the Championship and in the independent rider’s standings, which he leads by just 12 points from Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven).

Petrucci had a fantastic opening lap, storming into second position on the opening lap before beginning to battle with eventual Race 1 winner Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team). However, after further battling, Petrucci hit the front for the first time, leading a WorldSBK race with 16 laps remaining. The Italian battled incredibly hard, not giving anybody an inch as Razgatlioglu began his attack. Petrucci held off the #54 for multiple laps, responding instantly before with eight laps to go the Italian lost the lead.

It was a big moment for Petrucci, who recalled what he was thinking in the lead: “Finally, finally it was the first thing that I thought when I caught the front, finally I am leading the race, it was the first time since 2022 in MotoAmerica that I led a race. I am really happy as I knew it was almost impossible to create a gap from Toprak. I am really happy to be here because after the incident this track has been a struggle. In the second part of the race, I was struggling a bit with the front tyre, to close the corner so I lost some corner speed and it was really tough to keep the pace.”

It was a consistent pace throughout for Petrucci, who spent the majority of Race 1 lapping inside the 1’41 bracket – occasionally dipping into the 1’40s. However, once Razgatlioglu was into the lead, the #9 was under threat from Bautista, who began to catch the back of Petrucci with the Italian admitting post-race that he started to struggle with grip and in the braking zones. It was an intense end to Race 1 with the reigning World Champion soon finding his way into P2 with just three laps remaining.

Discussing the final laps in Race 1, Petrucci said: “We started to push again but I was a little bit in trouble with the traction, I couldn’t brake hard, I couldn’t accelerate and in fact Alvaro came. I think in the last few laps I tried to put some pressure on Alvaro but he was a little bit faster. A podium is also a great target for us, after a win in Supersport with Montella for our team then another podium, today we can be really satisfied.”

Can Petrucci claim victory on Sunday? Find out using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now 50% off!

Source: WorldSBK.com

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship was back in action for a thrilling evening Race 1 in an all-new schedule for the Pirelli Portuguese Round. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) took victory after a tough battle, with the #54 crossing the line to win by 0.780s. Razgatlioglu claimed his 11^th straight win this season, matching the all-time winning streak in WorldSBK.

STREAK CONTINUES: Razgatlioglu takes an 11^th consecutive win

‘El Turco’ claimed his 52^nd win, equalling Troy Bayliss at the fourth all-time spot after he took victory from Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati), who had an eventful Race 1 – battling through the field after a bad start. The #1 secured his 100^th podium after an impressive ride, beating Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) to the line by just 0.670s at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve. The Italian fought for the lead, claiming his sixth podium after securing P3.

PERFECT LAUNCH: Lowes leads early as an incredible battle begins

Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) had an impressive start, flying into the lead, and stretching out a strong gap on the opening lap. Meanwhile, polesitter Razgatlioglu would begin to put down the hammer on lap 2, closing the gap to the #22. Further back, Bautista had a tough start to the race, dropping outside of the top 10 as teammate Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) dropped to fifth and was under early pressure from Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha), who passed the Italian with 18 laps remaining.

After an explosive start, the action did not stop there as Petrucci took the lead with 16 laps to go and Razgatlioglu ran wide – dropping to third. The #54 worked hard, reclaiming second before entering the lead briefly with 11 laps remaining as he began to battle with Petrucci. Razgatlioglu had another unsuccessful attempt with nine laps remaining before making the move stick on Lap 12. Meanwhile, Bautista continued an incredible recovery ride, soon entering the podium places before passing Petrucci for P2.

TOUGH BATTLE: Victory for Toprak

Heading onto the final lap, everything was still up for grabs as Razgatlioglu stretched his lead to over one second. Petrucci was still locked onto the rear tyre of Bautista on the final lap as the Italian continued to put pressure on the reigning Champion for second place. However, the order would stay as it was over the line, with Razgatlioglu taking a hard-fought victory.

THE BATTLE CONTINUES: Gerloff and Lowes round out the top five

Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) missed out on the podium, finishing fourth at the line after pipping Lowes by 0.377s. The British rider would round out the top five, finishing in front of Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team), who had a confidence-inspiring result, making it six riders from six countries inside the top six. Seventh went the way of the Bulega, who crossed the line ahead of Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) as the final spots inside the top 10 went the way of GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team’s Dominique Aegerter and Remy Gardner.

FINAL POINTS: Rea drops to P15

Andrea Locatelli missed out on a spot inside the top 10, finishing P11 and ahead of Team HRC’s Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge. Meanwhile, the final point-scoring positions were occupied by Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) and Rea, who dropped down the order in the latter stages. Andrea Iannone (Team GoEleven) would crash out with nine laps remaining on the entry to Turn 1, bringing a disappointing end to Saturday. The Italian was not the only crasher as Scott Redding (Bonovo Action BMW) fell at Turn 5.

The top six from WorldSBK Race 1, full results here:

1. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team)

2. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.780s

3. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +1.450s

4. Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) +4.313s

5. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +4.690s

6. Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +4.963s

Fastest lap: Alvaro Bautista, Ducati – 1’40.612s

Next up in Portugal is the Superpole Race on Sunday at 14:45 Local Time (UTC +1), so make sure you watch the action using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now 50% off!

Source: WorldSBK.com

The MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship delivered astonishing action on Saturday at the Pirelli Portuguese Round with Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) reigning supreme on Day 2, which would allow the Championship leader to extend his advantage and continue to add to his win tally in 2024, taking his 13^th victory of the season – 11 of which in a row. It was a hard-fought win for the #54, battling hard with Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) and later Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) for victory.

Overall, it was a very positive Saturday for Razgatlioglu after suffering from some technical issues in the latter stages of running on Friday. In Superpole he would put together a brilliant time, claiming his 17^th pole position after setting a fantastic 1’39.783 in the intense heat. This pole position would be crucial as the Turkish star crossed the line to take his 52^nd win in Race 1, which would allow Razgatlioglu to equal Troy Bayliss in the fourth all-time spot. To celebrate his 52^nd win, the #54 put on a homemade pair of wings on his back – continuing to add to his collection of celebrations.

Discussing the conditions in Race 1 and the chance to break create a new page in the history book, Razgatlioglu said: “The race was not easy because of the hot conditions and everybody was very strong and was trying to pass. Finally, we got the win, this is a very important win for me because it is 11 wins in total and this is a new record for me but I am just focused on the 12^th win, I hope tomorrow I can get the Superpole Race win and we break the record. We will see, in general, today I am very happy and after the race, the celebrations were a little bit different today but tomorrow we will have a very good celebration if I win the 12^th race.”

As the lights went out for Race 1, it was Lowes who claimed the holeshot, with Razgatlioglu dropping down to P3 early on. It was an intense fight with Lowes soon dropping to fourth and Razgatlioglu engaging battle with Petrucci for the win. It would take multiple attempts but the #54 eventually made a move stick with eight laps remaining. After ‘El Turco’ hit the front, the rest was history, crossing the line to win by 0.780s.

Speaking about his strategy for Race 1 and his battle with Petrucci, Razgatlioglu said: “At the beginning of the race I was not pushing but after the half-race distance, I started to push, but also Danilo was pushing hard and we had some fighting with him and after I passed him, I was just trying to continue to ride alone but he was pushing hard. Anyway, we had a good battle with him, he finished in third position and I think it was a very fun race today.”

Make sure you watch all of the action for the 2024 WorldSBK season in style using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now 50% off!

Source: WorldSBK.com

Race 1 for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship was a milestone hitting affair for Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) as he claimed his 100^th podium after finishing second behind Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team). The reigning Championship had a terrible start as he dropped as low as 13^th on the opening lap from sixth on the grid but fought his way into podium contention at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve.

Bautista started Race 1 for the Pirelli Portuguese Round from the second row and initially got away well, but he fell back down the order at Turn 1 as he dropped to 13^th, and it looked like his podium or victory chance was over. However, he picked off his rivals quickly, climbing into the top ten by the end of Lap 3 and was fourth by the end of Lap 11 when the second half of the race started heating up. He was soon ahead of the podium-chasing Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) in third before setting his sights on Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team).

The pair fought hard over the final few laps before the #1 got the better of his rival. Petrucci forced Bautista to the outside of Turn 1 on Lap 18 as he tried to keep second, but the Spaniard was able to cut back through Turn 2 to gain the position. Despite the #9’s best efforts shortly after he was demoted, Bautista held on to claim his 100^th WorldSBK podium, becoming only the seventh rider to hit the milestone.

Reacting to his race and the start, Bautista said: “I got my 100^th podium giving, in every single lap, my 100%! I had a really, really bad start. I think it was one of the worst starts of my life. I lost a lot of positions and had to recover. In the beginning, I never thought about getting to the front guys because there were a lot of riders in front of me. I felt good on the bike. The feeling was very similar to last year. Today, track conditions were difficult; it was hotter. I could push hard. I tried to not give up and do my best. I went rider by rider. I saw the leaders a bit closer every time so, in one moment, I thought maybe the podium isn’t too far away. When I got to the leaders, I thought the victory was close, but the energy was less than 20%! I could pass Petrucci but to catch Toprak was difficult because, in the Petrucci fight, I went a bit wide in one corner and I lost a lot in sector two. I’m happy with my performance, unhappy with the start, but the good thing is the feeling with the bike is coming again like last year.”

Bautista was asked about what his 100^th podium meant to him after the end of the day’s action concluded, with the Spaniard given a chance to reflect on his achievement. Only Carl Fogarty, Tom Sykes, Noriyuki Haga, Troy Corser, Razgatlioglu and Jonathan Rea (Pata Prometeon Yamaha) have more than the double champion; he’s only nine podiums behind Fogarty to move into the top six of all-time podium finishers.

Discussing his most special podium, Bautista said: “I think all podiums are very special. Maybe the first one, the first victory in Australia in 2019 was very special because it was my first race in WorldSBK, coming after many years in MotoGP™. Everything was new for me, and I could do a hat-trick so it was special. But every podium, every victory, is special for any reason but I think the first one is always the most special.”

Can Bautista go one step further on Sunday and claim victory? Find out using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now 50% off!

Source: WorldSBK.com

The FIM Supersport World Championship returned to action on Saturday afternoon for a fantastic Race 1 in perfect conditions. Reigning supreme in Race 1 was Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) after a phenomenal performance at the Pirelli Portuguese Round, setting an unbeatable pace throughout. The #55 secured his third victory of the season, after a dominant ride to finish 3.241s ahead of his rivals.

STREAK ENDED: Montella ends Huertas’ win streak

It was a significant result from Montella, with victory in Race 1 ending Adrian Huertas’ (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) win streak after the #99 was only able to finish in second with work to do on Sunday. Huertas finished on the podium for the ninth consecutive race this season after a strong result in Portugal. Meanwhile, Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) took the final spot on the podium after an intense battle in the closing stages.

EARLY LEAD: Montella enters P1

It was a fantastic launch off the line from Montella, who secured the holeshot on the run down to Turn 1. As Montella started strong, so did Manzi, who was able to charge into P2 in the early stages of Race 1. However, Huertas struggled in the early stages, battling for the P3 at the end of the opening lap, before running wide at Turn 1 on Lap 2. The #99 would reclaim his cool, beginning to string together strong laps to overtake Can Oncu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) for third before pulling off a brave move at Turn 9 on Manzi.

Meanwhile, Montella extended his margin to 3.662s at the front, setting the fastest lap of the race in the process. This left Huertas on his own on the circuit, trying to find time where he could as the race progressed. Meanwhile, Manzi was beginning to be put under intense pressure from Jorge Navarro (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) for the final position on the podium.

LAST LAP: Podium decided

On the entry to Turn 1, Navarro snatched P3 from Manzi, with nothing separating the riders on the circuit. The #9 almost made contact with Manzi at Turn 8, losing time and losing an opportunity to finish on the podium. Soon after, Montella crossed the line to claim victory at Portimao ahead of Huertas, with Manzi taking the important third place finish.

SETTLING FOR P4: Navarro misses out

Navarro missed out on the podium, crossing the line in fourth after pushing hard on the final lap. The #9 missed out by 1.571s, finishing ahead of Federico Caricasulo (Motozoo ME AIR Racing), who rounded out the top five and secured a solid point-scoring finish. Meanwhile, Valentin Debise (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) crossed the line in sixth after an eventful day for the Frenchman, who crashed on the sighting lap and had his bike repaired on the grid. The #53 was ahead of Marcel Schroetter (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) in seventh and fellow Frenchman Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) in eighth. Meanwhile, the final spots inside the top 10 went the way of Glenn van Straalen (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) and Niki Tuuli (EAB Racing Team).

It was a disappointing Race 1 for Nicolo Antonelli (Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team), who crashed at Turn 5 twice during the race. The #5 was not the only rider to crash with Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph) also suffering an early end to Saturday after the British rider fell out of contention at Turn 1.

The top six from WorldSSP Race 1, full results here:

1. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team)

2. Adrian Huertas (Aruba.it Racing WorldSSP Team) +3.241s

3. Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) +10.598s

4. Jorge Navarro (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) +12.169s

5. Federico Caricasulo (Motozoo ME AIR Racing) +14.868s

6. Valentin Debise (Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team) +15.811s

Fastest lap: Yari Montella, Ducati – 1’43.246s

Make sure you watch WorldSSP Race 2 on Sunday at 16:30 Local Time (UTC +1), using the WorldSBK VideoPass – NOW HALF PRICE!

Source: WorldSBK.com

Race 1 for the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship delivered a brilliant show for the fans at the Pirelli Portuguese Round, with Mirko Gennai (MTM Kawasaki) taking the glory after a dramatic finish on Saturday. It was a spectacular ride from the Italian, who took his fifth win as he crossed the line with an astonishing 0.893s margin after another twist in the WorldSSP300 Championship battle.

PODIUM BATTLE: Thompson claims P2

Joining Gennai on the podium was Carter Thompson (Fusport-RT Motorsport by SKM-Kawasaki), who put together a stunning end to the race to claim his second podium in his second weekend in WorldSSP300. Meanwhile, Marc Garcia (KOVE Racing Team) took the final spot on the podium, his second of the season. The #22 had a brilliant race at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, after fighting for victory throughout the 11 laps.

HOT PACE: Veneman leads early on

It was a perfect launch from Loris Veneman (MTM Kawasaki), who claimed the holeshot as the 33 bike field filtered through Turn 1 for the first time. There was action everywhere you looked on the opening lap as Marco Gaggi (Team BrCorse) and Inigo Iglesias (Fusport-RT Motorsport by SKM-Kawasaki) had a moment at Turn 1 as Veneman created a gap worth six-tenths as the field crossed the line for the first time.
 

There would soon be a change of order at the front as Marc Garcia closed in on the #7, eventually catching and passing Veneman to take the lead. The lead group soon turned into three riders, with Gennai joining the party as the battle and pace began to heat up. Iglesias showed great pace throughout, clawing back time on the lead group and entering the battle with three laps remaining.

CHAMPIONSHIP DRAMA: Iglesias crashes out on the last lap

Entering the final lap, it was Iglesias who led, before Veneman used the slipstream to snatch P1 on the run to Turn 1 with eight riders now in the lead group. However, everything soon unfolded for the #58, who tried to make a move stick at Turn 8, touching the rear tyre of Veneman and crashing out of the race. It was a huge moment in the Championship but all attention soon turned to the front as Gennai stormed to take the glory in Race 1, with Thompson charging through to claim a podium finish in front of Marc Garcia in P3.

RECOVERY RIDE: Mahendra takes sixth

Meanwhile, Veneman took fourth, narrowly missing out on a podium finish – claiming his 15^th consecutive race inside the points. The #7 crossed the line ahead of Elia Bartolini (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSSP300 Team), who rounded out the top five – a further 0.005s behind. Aldi Satya Mahendra (Team BrCorse) was sixth after starting from P21 on the grid after receiving a grid penalty. The #57 will take some vital points to close Iglesias’ lead in the Championship. Meanwhile, Jeffrey Buis took seventh in another solid ride ahead of Galang Hendra Pratama (ProGP NitiRacing) as the final spots inside the top 10 went the way of Julio Garcia (KOVE Racing Team) and Gaggi.

There was further drama throughout Race 1 as Samuel Di Sora (ARCO SASH MotoR University Team) battled hard in the opening stages receiving a penalty, however, the #23 would retire with an early technical issue. Emiliano Ercolani (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSSP300 Team) was another early retirement on Saturday, suffering a technical issue at Turn 11.

The top six from WorldSSP300 Race 1, full results here:

1. Mirko Gennai (MTM Kawasaki)

2. Carter Thompson (Fusport-RT Motorsport by SKM-Kawasaki) +0.893

3. Marc Garcia (KOVE Racing Team) +0.895

4. Loris Veneman (MTM Kawasaki) +0.971

5. Elia Bartolini (Yamaha Motoxracing WorldSSP300 Team) +0.976

6. Aldi Satya Mahendra (Team BrCorse) +1.102

Fastest lap: Matteo Vannucci (Yamaha) – 1’54.862

Make sure you tune in for Race 2 on Sunday at 15:30 Local Time (UTC +1), using the WorldSBK VideoPass – NOW HALF PRICE!

Source: WorldSBK.com

Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) is starting to make P1 on the grid his own as he secured another MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship pole position despite ever-increasing pressure from his rivals. ‘El Turco’ smashed into the 1’39s barrier to claim top spot in the Tissot Superpole session at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, just beating Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) and Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) who will complete the front row for Race 1 at the Pirelli Portuguese Round.

THE FIRST RUN: smashing into the 1’39s…

There was a rush as the pit lane opened for the 15-minute session, with the entire field bar Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) heading straight out although the #11 went out a couple of minutes later. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) went straight into the 1’39s bracket – the first of the weekend – to post a 1’39.870s and claim a provisional pole position. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) was able to find time on his second flying lap to move himself into second, ahead of the out-of-sync Bulega who was 0.003s slower than ‘Petrux’.

FOUR IN A ROW: Razgatlioglu claims pole, Lowes and Petrucci P2 and P3

Razgatlioglu improved his time even in further in his second stint with a 1’39.783s and he was unable to go even faster, but it was enough for a fourth consecutive pole position ahead of Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), who was the second rider in the 1’39s bracket and only a tenth away from ‘El Turco’. Third in Superpole was Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) after the #9 became the third rider in the 1’39s; his 1’39.971s just 0.188s away from pole position. For Lowes, it’s his 21^st front row and third of the season while it’s Petrucci’s third in his WorldSBK career; his first since the 2023 Czech Round.

A STRONG PERFORMANCE: Bulega, van der Mark, Bautista on the second row

Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) claimed fourth with a 1’40.127s, a strong result for ‘Bulegas’ despite missing the entirety of FP1 on Friday. He was a tenth clear of Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) in fifth, with the Dutchman following his teammate to set his fastest time. Reigning Champion Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) was sixth to complete the second row, half-a-second away from Razgatlioglu.

COMPLETING THE TOP TEN: Rea in P8, Aegerter completes the top ten

The two Pata Prometeon Yamaha riders will line up from the third row, with Andrea Locatelli lapping 0.012s clear of six-time Champion Jonathan Rea. Garrett Gerloff (Bonovo Action BMW) ensured three BMW machines in the top ten as he claimed ninth, while Dominique Aegerter (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) completed the top ten. He posted a 1’40.505s to secure his spot in the top ten places and will lead away the fourth row.

TO NOTE: Rabat impresses, Lecuona crashes

Tito Rabat (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) posted a 1’40.518s to claim P11 ahead of Axel Bassani (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) in 12^th, with the Kawasaki duo separated by just 0.020s. At Honda, Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) was the fastest rider in 13^th while teammate Iker Lecuona will line up from last after setting a 1’43.308s; he crashed at Turn 14 with 1:30 left in the session.

The top six from WorldSBK Tissot Superpole, full results here:

1 Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) 1’39.783s

2. Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) +0.104s

3. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.188s

4. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.344s

5. Michael van der Mark (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +0.463s

6. Alvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.578s

Don’t miss WorldSBK Race 1 at 18:00 Local Time (UTC+1) using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now 50% off!

Source: WorldSBK.com

The FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship was back on track for an exhilarating Race 1 on Saturday, with Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team) storming to an impressive victory. It was the Spaniard’s fourth victory in just five races, further stretching out her Championship lead to 16 points at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve.

0.060s: The battle which went down to the wire

It was a stunning battle to start the racing action at the Pirelli Portuguese Round, with Herrera taking victory. It was a phenomenal end to Race 1, with just 0.060s separating the top two at the line as Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) claimed second place. The #64 had a great final lap after she was able to match the relentless pace of Herrera. Sanchez also took the fastest lap and finished ahead of Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros Racing Yamaha Team), who took the final spot on the podium after another solid ride.

LIGHTS OUT: Four bikes battle for the lead

The battle began at the start as Herrera and Carrasco battled for the lead on the run to Turn 1. However, it was Herrera who would lead after sweeping around the outside of Carrasco in the braking zone. Beatriz Neila (Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha) entered the podium places early on after a poor launch from Sanchez. A four-bike group soon formed with Carrasco and Herrera going head-to-head once again.

Positions were changing at every opportunity with Neila soon entering P1 for the first time, as Carrasco was pushed back to fourth. Slipstream proved to be vital as Herrera tried to stretch a gap, with the top four remaining to look inseparable. However, as the laps ticked down the #6 continued to push, stretching out a small advantage with only Sanchez able to challenge heading onto the final lap.

LAST LAP: Herrera holds off Sanchez

Sanchez was in chase of the #6, glued onto the back wheel of Herrera throughout the final lap. The #64 looked for an opportunity, trying to get the perfect drive onto the straight for a slipstream to the line. However, Herrera was able to hold on in a thrilling finish to the opening race of the weekend.

NEILA MISSES OUT: Battles throughout the top 10

Neila missed out on a podium by just 0.009s, finishing in fourth position after a brilliant Race 1. The Spanish star will now set her sights on Race 2 after finishing ahead of Pakita Ruiz (PS Racing Team 46+1), who rounded out the top five. Ruiz had her own battle in Race 1, battling with Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team), with the Italian taking sixth ahead of Jessica Howden (Team Trasimeno). The #52 had to start from P8 on the grid in Race 1 but would claim seventh in front of Tayla Relph (TAYCO Motorsport). Meanwhile, the final spots inside the top 10 went the way of Nicole van Aswegen (Andalaf Racing) and Astrid Madrigal (TALIKA Racing FIMLA).

There was drama throughout with Jamie Hanks-Elliot (Sekhmet Motorcycle Racing Team) crashing out of her debut WorldWCR race at Turn 15. Lena Kemmer (Bertl K. Racing Team) would also crash out with seven laps remaining before Emily Bondi (YART Zelos Black Knights Team) lost the front at Turn 3, making contact with Mallory Dobbs (Sekhmet Motorcycle Racing Team) and bringing an early end to their race with four laps to go.

The top six from WorldWCR Race 1, full results here:

1. Maria Herrera (Klint Forward Factory Team)

2. Sara Sanchez (511 Terra&Vita Racing Team) +0.060s

3. Ana Carrasco (Evan Bros. Racing Yamaha Team) +2.253s

4. Beatriz Neila (Ampito / Pata Prometeon Yamaha) +2.262s

5. Pakita Ruiz (PS Racing Team 46+1) +26.707s

6. Roberta Ponziani (Yamaha Motoxracing WCR Team) +26.919s

Make sure you don’t miss WorldWCR Race 2 on Sunday from Portimao at 13:45 Local Time (UTC +1) using the WorldWCR YouTube and WorldSBK VideoPass!

Source: WorldSBK.com