The FIM CEV Repsol is to be held at the Algarve circuit for the first time. Located in Portimão, in southern Portugal, the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve has played host since its opening in November 2008 to some of the biggest events in the world. Its pronounced inclines and unique combination of bends and straights make racing here an exciting challenge.
Fabio Quartararo (FRA-Honda) faces the final part of the season leading the Moto3™ category. Although the French rider has a 52-point advantage over Jorge Navarro (SPA-Kalex-KTM) in second place, he needs to stay focused, since in his journey towards the World Championship the Valencian rider demonstrated his potential, as he did to claim 12th place at the Australian and Malaysian Grand Prix. It is not easy to predict what will happen among the following positions, because very few points separate Hiroki Ono (JAP-TSR), María Herrera (SPA-Honda), Gabriel Rodrigo (ARG -KTM) and Marcos Ramírez (SPA-KTM), leaving the door wide open to last-minute surprises.
Jesko Raffin’s (SWI-Kalex) position at the top of the Moto2™ points table was consolidated by his most recent victory in Navarre. The Swiss rider, who could be crowned champion this weekend, recently announced that he will be riding next season in the World Championship for the SAG Moto2 team. In a solid position in second place is Florian Alt (GER-Kalex), who with 106 points and regular appearances on the podium could soon confirm his place on the victory rostrum. In third position comes Edgar Pons (SPA-Kalex), who has also tasted glory with a first and second place respectively in Jerez and Navarre. Bertin Thibaut, thanks to his double wins in the final round of the FIM CEV Repsol, is well-placed in first position among the 600 Superstock riders.
Contrary to what happened in the last few seasons, in the Superbike class everything is possible in the three races still to come, and many riders are in with a title chance. Leading the rankings at the moment are Iván Silva (SPA-BMW), Santiago Barragán (SPA-Kawasaki) and Kenny Noyes (USA-Kawasaki), followed by the always strong Robertino Pietri (VEN-Kawasaki), Dani Rivas (SPA-BMW) and Carmelo Morales (SPA-Kawasaki). Raúl García (SPA-Kawasaki) will be fighting to maintain his leading position in the privateers category.
The schedule (local time) for next Sunday’s races is as follows:
11:00 Moto2-Superstock 600 (17 laps)
12:00 Superbike (17 laps)
13:00 Moto3 (16 laps)
14:00 Moto2-Superstock 600 (17 laps)
15:00 Superbike (17 laps)
After purchasing the tickets, the first FIM CEV Repsol fans on Sunday to go to the Accreditation Center of the Circuit do Algarve can get a free pass to take part in the Pit Lane walk which will take place before the start of racing.
In regard to TV coverage, Sport TV in Portugal; Movistar MotoGP channel of Movistar TV and the Energy TV channel of Mediaset in Spain; Eurosport in France; Sky in Italy; and BT Sports in Britain confirmed the broadcasting of all or some races live. For all other countries, races can be seen in English on the Championship’s Youtube channel.
All the results and information about the championship can be accessed on the official website: www.fimcevrepsol.com