Italian rider and reigning MotoGP champion Pecco Bagnaia set a new Portimão lap record of 1m37.968s during pre-season testing held at the Algarve International Racetrack (AIA) in Portimão.
The previous record stood at 1m38.725s and had been set in 2021 by Bagnaia, who outdid himself on the final day (March 12) of the two-day testing.
The tests were held ahead of the Portuguese Grand Prix, which will take place between March 24-26 at the Portimão circuit.
Before the two-day testing, Japan’s Takaaki Nakagami, Spain’s Raul Fernandez and Portugal’s very own Miguel Oliveira – who won the Portuguese GP in 2020 – were welcomed at Portimão’s town hall by mayor Isilda Gomes on Friday, March 10.
Gomes wished the riders luck, “especially to our Miguel Oliveira, who deserves to repeat his victory of 2020, but this time with fans in the stands”.
Paulo Pinheiro, the racetrack’s CEO, also attended the event and stressed that “for the first time in 18 years, the championship will begin outside of Qatar, and in our city.”
He stressed that the MotoGP is “the largest paid sports event in Portugal,” expected to attract around 180,000 people between March 24-26 and completely book out hotels.
Miguel Oliveira also spoke about his desire to win again.
“The city and circuit of Portimão have a very special place in my heart, so you can count on my commitment to the March 26 race,” said Oliveira, warning, however, that expectations must be adjusted to the reality that he will be racing with a new bike.
