Archie Mcdonald was quickest during FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup Free practice 2 (FP2) Friday afternoon at Circuit Of The Americas, in Texas. Riding his Joe Rascal Racing Harley-Davidson on Dunlop control tires, the Australian covered the 3.43-mile (5.51 km) road course in 2:13.043, topping the field of 9 riders.
Oscar Gutierrez was the best of the rest with a 2:13.514 on his Niti Racing Harley-Davidson.
Mcdonald teammate’s Eric Granado was third with a lap time of 2:13.746.
Riding for Saddlemen Racing Harley-Davidson, American teammates Travis Wyman (2:14.883), Jake Lewis (2:15.271), and Cory West (2:15.754) finished 5th, 6th, and 7th respectively.
Cody Wyman was 9 with a time of 2:16.031 on his Joe Rascal Racing Harley-Davidson.
Can Oncu topped FIM Supersport World Championship Superpole qualifying Friday afternoon at Portimao, in Portugal. Riding his Pata Ten Kate Yamaha YZF-R9 on Pirelli control tires, Oncu lapped the 2.85-mile (4.59 km) course in 1:42.670 to top the field of 32 riders and earn pole position.
Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise was the best of the rest with a 1:43.303 on his Evan Bros Racing ZXMOTO 820RR, and Lucas Mahias earned the third and final spot on the front row with a lap time of 1:43.357 on his GMT94 Yamaha YZF-R9.
Row-two qualifiers included BLU CRU Racing Team Yamaha’s Albert Arenas (1:43.493), Feel Racing Ducati’s Philip Oettl (1:43.513) and Orelac Racing Verdnatura Ducati’s Jaume Masia (1:43.606).
Oncu back on top of the WorldSSP grid at Portimao while Debise and ZXMOTO impress in P2. Lucas Mahias sprang at the chance to improve his position as time expired, thanks to a lengthy red flag.
The FIM Supersport World Championship’s Pirelli Portuguese round is a go! The World Supersport field’s excitement to take to a sunny Autodromo Internacional do Algarve on Friday afternoon was tangible as they flew out onto the tarmac for their Tissot Superpole session. Can Oncu (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) was the fastest on the day, sending himself to pole position for the fifth time in his WorldSSP career for Saturday’s Race 1. A late red flag was waved after smoke and liquid sprayed out of Josh Whatley’s (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) bike on the descent into Turn 1, but with just five minutes left, only a few clever riders were able to capitalise on the little remaining time to improve their position.
ONCU BACK ON POLE: The #61 takes his fifth career WorldSSP pole
Can Oncu took a strong first step towards getting his season back on track. The Turkish star took his first pole position of the season with his time of 1’42.670s. Speaking of getting seasons back on track, Debise’s Phillip Island results of P24 and P25 weren’t representative of his running at the front Down Under, and the Frenchman did well with a 1’43.303s lap to send him to P2. Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) and his team played the red flag restart to perfection as he left long after the other riders but left himself just enough time to be able to ride a two-lap stint in which he could ride alone, improving his time to 1’43.357s for P3
ARENAS TO FIGHT FROM ROW 2: The Spanish rider is on the hunt for his second WorldSSP win in two rounds
Albert Arenas (AS BLU CRU Racing Team) is hungry for a second win this rookie season after a breakout win Down Under, and his 1’43.493 P4 set him up well in that pursuit. Philipp Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) placed P5 as well as claimed top Ducati honours on the back of his 1’43.513s. Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) was mired further down the order for most of the session, until in the final quarter of the session prior to the red flag. The Spanish phenom did enough to start P6 with a personal best lap on the day of 1’43.606s
ZACCONE BEATS THE BUZZER: Seizes the restart opportunity and sends himself to P10
Corentin Perolari (Honda Racing World Supersport) closed 2025 with growing form, and in their second Superpole session of 2026, the Frenchman slotted in a 1’43.625s time to lead the third row on Saturday. Roberto Garcia (GMT94 Yamaha) fought his way up the order as the session wore on, and before the red flag, he had sent himself up to P8 with his time of 1’43.684s. Federico Caricasulo (ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros Racing) sent his ZXMOTO 820RR up to the front of the grid to join his teammate Debise, and while his time was later sent back down, he will still start from the third row in P9 with a time of 1’44.088s. Alessandro Zaccone (Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team) was one of the only riders to benefit from the restart, as a 1’44.152s lap registered as time expired sent him up from P23 to P10.
The top six from the WorldSSP Tissot Superpole session, full results here!
1. Can Oncu (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) 1’42.670s
Sam Lowes led FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday afternoon at Portimao, in Portugal. Riding his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Ducati Panigale V4R on spec Pirelli tires, the Brit covered the 2.85-mile (4.59 km) track in 1:39.941 to lead the field of 22 riders.
Nicolò Bulega was second-best with a 1:40.188 on his Aruba.It Racing – Ducati Panigale V4R.
Yari Montella was third with a 1:40.351 on his Barni Spark Racing Team Ducati Panigale V4R.
Danilo Petrucci was 12th on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR with a lap time of 1:40.962.
American Garrett Gerloff was 14th with a time of 1:41.029 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR.
FRIDAY REPORT: Sam Lowes beats Bulega to top spot as WorldSBK tackles the Portimao rollercoaster. The two Ducati riders were separated by 0.247s at the end of Friday’s action as Friday concluded in Portugal.
Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) topped both Free Practice sessions at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve as Round 2 for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship kicked off. Taking on the famous rollercoaster, the British rider was the only rider in the 1’39s to claim top spot ahead of Championship leader Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) at the Pirelli Portuguese Round.
SAM LOWES ON TOP: The #14 beats Bulega to P1
British rider Sam Lowes heads into Portimao still nursing a wrist injury, although he was given the all-clear after Thursday’s medical check. He and his team worked on some ergonomics of his Panigale V4R machine in FP1 and was fastest in the morning although he was seen shaking out his left hand after setting his fastest time. In FP2, the #14 went even faster to claim P1 on the combined timesheets, ahead of Australia hat-trick hero Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati). The #11 set a 1’40.188s to claim P2, unable to join Sam Lowes in the 1’39s bracket. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) continued his impressive form from Australia as he claimed P3 with Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) in P5. The #7 had a disrupted day, with a tech problem in FP1 costing him some running time and a crash in FP2 at Turn 5 doing the same. However, he set a 1’40.458s to finish half-a-second down on Sam Lowes’ time. Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team) was another who fell victim to the right-hand hairpin at Turn 5 but he improved his time at the end of the session to take P6. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) was ninth with Tarran Mackenzie (MGM Optical Express Racing) in 14th. Tommy Bridewell (Superbike Advocates) is preparing for his first weekend as a full-time rider and had two big moments coming over the crest after Turn 8, although he did fall at Turn 5 in FP2. He finished the day in 15th, two places ahead of Alberto Surra (Motocorsa Racing).
Nicolo Bulega at Portimao. Photo courtesy WorldSBK
STRONG START FOR BIMOTA: Alex Lowes top four, Bassani P7
Bimota were strong at Phillip Island and that looks to have continued at Portimao, with both Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) and teammate Alex Lowes in the top seven of the combined times. The #22 finished the day in P4 thanks to his FP1 team, with the Brit one of just a few riders not to improve their time in the afternoon session. 1’40.442s was his fastest time and his FP2 was disrupted by a Turn 5 fall. Bassani was seventh overall after finding time in FP2, 1’40.564s his best time.
OLIVEIRA LEADS BMW: Aiming for a good result on home soil
Home hero Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) and teammate Danilo Petrucci spent the first part of FP2 running on track close together as they looked to continue adapting to the M 1000 RR machine. Oliveira was the faster of the two as he looks to replicate his 2020 Portuguese Grand Prix success, finishing in eighth place after posting a 1’40.685s, while Petrucci had a three-tenths gap to his teammate. However, that time difference meant ‘Petrux’ finished the day in 13th place.
STRONG START FOR GERLOFF: The Texan doesn’t find time in FP2
Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) heads into the Portuguese Round in great form and spirits, after getting married in the gap between Phillip Island and Portimao. That continued on Friday in Portugal although he was outside the top ten on the combined timesheets, after not improving his time in FP2. His best time of the day came in the morning as he posted a 1’40.951s.
VIERGE ON TOP IN BLUE: Continuing to lead Yamaha’s charge
Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) has so often been the fastest Yamaha rider this season and that continued on Friday at Portimao, securing a top-ten place; the sole Yamaha rider to do so. He was directly ahead of Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) in 11th, while Vierge’s teammate, Andrea Locatelli, was 16th. Stefano Manzi (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was 19th while Bahattin Sofuoglu (Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) and teammate Mattia Rato rounded out the WorldSBK field; the Turkish rider had a Turn 5 fall in FP2.
TWO CRASHES AT HONDA: Rea, Chantra both fall in FP2
Jonathan Rea (Honda HRC) was the fastest of the two Honda riders on track at Portimao, although his day was disrupted by a Free Practice 2 crash at Turns 10-11 at the change of direction. Nevertheless, the six-time Champion finished in 18th place with a 1’41.578s. Teammate Somkiat Chantra also had a crash in FP2, having a high-speed fall at Turn 15 but the Thai rider was able to walk away from his crash. He finished in 20th, four tenths behind his teammate.
The top six from Portimao’s Friday action, full results here:
1. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) 1’39.941s
2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.247s
3. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.410s
4. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.501s
5. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.517s
6. Álvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.535s
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Pedro Acosta topped MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Circuit Of The Americas, in Texas. Riding his Michelin-shod Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16, the Spaniard turned a lap of 2:01.715 around the 3.43-mile (5.51 km) track and led the 22-rider field.
Fabio Di Giannantonio was second-best with a 2:01.818 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Ducati Desmosedici GP26.
Jorge Martin was third with a lap of 2:01.936 on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP26.
Acosta takes charge in COTA FP1, Marc Marquez crash brings out red flag. The #37 was back to the top straight out of the crate on Friday whilst the reigning Champion suffered a far from smooth session.
Enjoying the first rodeo at COTA in 2026, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) led the way in FP1. The Spaniard set a lap time of 2’01:715 to have a tenth in his pocket over the field. Elsewhere, the session was red-flagged due to a crash for Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) at Turn 10. Slow to get to his feet but ultimately getting back out to the track later on, the reigning World Champion’s start to the weekend was far from ideal.
Fast laps came in right at the end of the session with the track rubbered in and in good condition. With just over two minutes left on the clock, Acosta went into P1 by a tenth of a second, back on the pace he showed at Buriram. A podium finisher in 2025 at COTA, Di Giannantonio was up in second place and started his US GP weekend strongly. Making it three different manufacturers inside the top three, Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) was top Aprilia in the opening session in the USA as his strong form from Brazil continues. The first major headline of the session occurred at Turn 10, when the #93 crashed, bringing out the red flag. Able to walk away, he did eventually get back out on track in the final ten minutes of the session, completing it in P4 whilst Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) clinched P5.
Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) was able to come away with sixth place in the opening session of the weekend whilst making it seven different teams in the top seven, Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol). Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) continued his top ten form with eighth place in FP1 whilst Championship leader Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) was the slowest of the Aprilias in P9 but set more laps than anyone else in the top ten – which was completed by Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team). Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) was 11th, one place ahead of top Yamaha Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP).
Celestino Vietti was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Circuit Of The Americas, in Texas. Riding his Pirelli-shod HDR SpeedRS Team Boscoscuro on the 3.43-mile (5.51 km) track, the Italian recorded a 2:06.724 to lead the field of 28 riders.
David Alonso was the best of the rest with a 2:06.779 on his CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team Kalex.
Tony Arbolino was third-fastest with a 2:06.863 on his REDS Fantic Racing Kalex.
American Joe Roberts finished the opening session in 17th with a 2:08.090 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
Alvaro Carpe was quickest during Moto3 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Circuit Of The Americas, in Texas. Riding his Red Bull KTM Ajo machine on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard covered the 3.43-mile (5.51 km) road course in 2:14.209, topping the field of 25 riders.
Maximo Quiles was the best of the rest with a 2:14.405 on his CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team KTM.
Joel Esteban was third with a lap time of 2:14.555 on his LevelUP MTA KTM.
Maria Herrera topped FIM World Women’s Circuit Racing Superpole qualifying Friday afternoon at Portimao, in Portugal. Riding her Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha YZF-R7 on Pirelli control tires, Herrera lapped the 2.85-mile (4.49 km) course in 1:52.572 to top the field of 25 riders and earn pole position.
Paola Ramos was the best of the rest with a 1:52.988 on her Klint Racing Yamaha YZF-R7 , and her teammate Roberta Ponziani earned the third and final spot on the front row with a lap time of 1:53.710.
American Mallory Dobbs got 20th on her YVS Sabadell Diva Racing Yamaha YZF-R7 with a time of 1:56.093.
FIGHTING FOR P1: Herrera resists Ramos challenge to secure Portimao pole. The two Spaniards were duelling it out for pole position at Portimao, with Herrera coming out on top against Ramos.
The fight for the first pole position of the 2026 FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship went in favour of Maria Herrera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR) as she beat Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team) by four tenths at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve. The Pirelli Portuguese Round marks the start of the third WorldWCR campaign and Herrera started her title defence exactly how she would have imagined by claiming P1 for Saturday’s Race 1 grid.
HERRERA VS RAMOS FOR POLE: A step ahead of the field in Superpole
Herrera wasted no time in throwing down a gauntlet as she set a 1’52.923s on her first flying lap, despite seemingly having traffic heading through the final corner. That lap alone was over a second quicker than her rivals, with Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team) slotting into P2. That margin would have been the biggest gap between first and second in WorldWCR history, although Ramos was able to reduce it to just 0.187s as the final runs started, before closing it further again. However, Herrera set a 1’52.572s to cement her place on pole at Portimao and take her seventh pole in the category as she smashed the lap record. Roberta Ponziani (Klint Racing Team) fended off a host of riders to take a front row start for the season-opener, posting a 1’53.170s.
NEILA CLIMBS THE ORDER: The #36 rescues a second-row start
Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) salvaged a second row start with her last lap in the 25-minute session. The #36 set a 1’54.141s to secure P4 ahead of rookie Yvonne Cerpa (MotosCerpa), who impressed as she claimed P5 in her first WorldWCR weekend. Talya Relph (Full Throttle Racing) did provisionally post a front-row time but found herself demoted as the session progressed, eventually settling for P6.
COMPLETING THE TOP TEN: Boudesseul heads the third row
Lucie Boudesseul (GMT94 Yamaha) will go from the third row in Race 1 after securing a P7 start ahead of Sara Sanchez (Hadden Racing Team) in eighth. The #64 posted a 1’54.324s to move onto the third row and she’s joined by Pakita Ruiz (PR46+1 Racing Team) in ninth. Natalia Rivera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR) completed the top ten with a 1’54.727s.
The top six from WorldWCR Superpole, full results here:
1. María Herrera (Terra&Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR) 1’52.572s
2. Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team) +0.416s
3. Roberta Ponziani (Klint Racing Team) +1.138s
4. Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) +1.569s
5. Yvonne Cerpa (MotosCerpa) +1.577s
6. Tayla Relph (Full Throttle Racing) +1.681s
Don’t miss the first race of the 2026 season at 12:00 Local Time (UTC+0) on Saturday –
Archie Mcdonald was quickest during FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup Free practice 1 (FP1) Friday morning at Circuit Of The Americas, in Texas. Riding his Joe Rascal Racing Harley-Davidson on Dunlop control tires, the Australian covered the 3.43-mile (5.51 km) road course in 2:13.705, topping the field of 8 riders.
Oscar Gutierrez was the best of the rest with a 2:14.263 on his Niti Racing Harley-Davidson.
Mcdonald teammate’s Cody Wyman was third with a lap time of 2:15.584.
Riding for Saddlemen Racing Harley-Davidson, American teammates Jake Lewis (2:16.297), Travis Wyman (2:16.715), and Cory West (2:16.775) finished 5th, 7th, and 8th respectively.
Valentin Debise was quickest during FIM Supersport World Championship Free practice Friday morning at Portimao, in Portugal. Riding his Evan Bros Racing ZXMOTO 820RR on Pirelli control tires, the Frenchman covered the 2.85-mile (4.59 km) road course in 1:43.758, topping the field of 32 riders.
Can Oncu was the best of the rest with a 1:44.218 on his Pata Ten Kate Yamaha YZF-R9.
Jaume Masia was third with a lap time of 1:44.244 on his Orelac Racing Verdnatura Ducati Panigale V2.
Sam Lowes was quickest during FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice 1 Friday morning at Portimao, in Portugal. Riding his Pirelli-shod ELF Marc VDS Ducati Panigale V4R on the 2.85-mile (4.59 km) track, the Brit recorded a 1:40.287 to lead the field of 22 riders.
Nicolo Bulega was the best of the rest with a 1:40.291 on his Aruba.It Racing – Ducati Panigale V4R.
Alex Lowes was third-fastest with a 1:40.442 on his Bimoto by Kawasaki KB998 Rimini.
American Garrett Gerloff finished the opening session in 7th with a 1:40.951 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR.
Sam Lowes pips Bulega to FP1 honours at Portimao by 0.004s, Alex Lowes completes top three. The #14 had a delayed start to Free Practice 1 in WorldSBK but wasted no time in getting up to speed once he hit the track.
Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) left it late to claim top spot in Free Practice 1 for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship as the action at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve kicked off. After missing the first 15 minutes or so through a technical problem, the #14 slowly built his speed up throughout the 45-minute session as he beat Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) by 0.004s and twin brother Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) by 0.155s.
Sam Lowes missed out on running at the start of the session due to electronics issues on his Panigale V4R machine, setting his first time around 17 minutes into FP1. Building his speed throughout the session, the British star eventually went fastest on his final lap as he posted a 1’40.287s; although he was shaking out his left hand after crossing the line. This demoted Bulega into P2 although there was little to separate the pair, with just 0.004s between them. Alex Lowes had been quick all session, and let a Bimota 1-2 at points, although found himself demoted to third as riders improved at the end of the session.
Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) had a strong session as he finished in P4, although he lost some valuable running time with a tech problem that he suffered around 10 minutes into the session. He re-joined the action once it was repaired and set his best time, a 1’40.663s, to claim P4. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) continued his excellent Australian Round pace with P5, 0.493s down on Sam Lowes, while Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) completed the top six.
Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) heads into Portimao fresh off the back of his wedding, and he also had a good start to the weekend. The Texan took P7 with a 1’40.951s, finishing ahead of Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) in P8. The Spaniard was the lead Yamaha rider as he finished ahead of Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) and Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team), who completed the top ten.
Home hero Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was 11th, although he was just a tenth away from finishing in the top eight. Jonathan Rea (Honda HRC) was 17th on his Honda return, with Somkiat Chantra (Honda HRC) in 19th.
The top six from WorldSBK Free Practice 1, full results here:
1. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) 1’40.287s
2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.004s
3. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.155s
4. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.376s
5. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.493s
6. Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.502s
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Archie Mcdonald (69) during Bagger World Cup FP2 at COTA. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Archie Mcdonald was quickest during FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup Free practice 2 (FP2) Friday afternoon at Circuit Of The Americas, in Texas. Riding his Joe Rascal Racing Harley-Davidson on Dunlop control tires, the Australian covered the 3.43-mile (5.51 km) road course in 2:13.043, topping the field of 9 riders.
Oscar Gutierrez was the best of the rest with a 2:13.514 on his Niti Racing Harley-Davidson.
Mcdonald teammate’s Eric Granado was third with a lap time of 2:13.746.
Riding for Saddlemen Racing Harley-Davidson, American teammates Travis Wyman (2:14.883), Jake Lewis (2:15.271), and Cory West (2:15.754) finished 5th, 6th, and 7th respectively.
Cody Wyman was 9 with a time of 2:16.031 on his Joe Rascal Racing Harley-Davidson.
Can Oncu (61) at Portimao. Photo courtesy WorldSBK
Can Oncu topped FIM Supersport World Championship Superpole qualifying Friday afternoon at Portimao, in Portugal. Riding his Pata Ten Kate Yamaha YZF-R9 on Pirelli control tires, Oncu lapped the 2.85-mile (4.59 km) course in 1:42.670 to top the field of 32 riders and earn pole position.
Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise was the best of the rest with a 1:43.303 on his Evan Bros Racing ZXMOTO 820RR, and Lucas Mahias earned the third and final spot on the front row with a lap time of 1:43.357 on his GMT94 Yamaha YZF-R9.
Row-two qualifiers included BLU CRU Racing Team Yamaha’s Albert Arenas (1:43.493), Feel Racing Ducati’s Philip Oettl (1:43.513) and Orelac Racing Verdnatura Ducati’s Jaume Masia (1:43.606).
Oncu back on top of the WorldSSP grid at Portimao while Debise and ZXMOTO impress in P2. Lucas Mahias sprang at the chance to improve his position as time expired, thanks to a lengthy red flag.
The FIM Supersport World Championship’s Pirelli Portuguese round is a go! The World Supersport field’s excitement to take to a sunny Autodromo Internacional do Algarve on Friday afternoon was tangible as they flew out onto the tarmac for their Tissot Superpole session. Can Oncu (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) was the fastest on the day, sending himself to pole position for the fifth time in his WorldSSP career for Saturday’s Race 1. A late red flag was waved after smoke and liquid sprayed out of Josh Whatley’s (Orelac Racing Verdnatura) bike on the descent into Turn 1, but with just five minutes left, only a few clever riders were able to capitalise on the little remaining time to improve their position.
ONCU BACK ON POLE: The #61 takes his fifth career WorldSSP pole
Can Oncu took a strong first step towards getting his season back on track. The Turkish star took his first pole position of the season with his time of 1’42.670s. Speaking of getting seasons back on track, Debise’s Phillip Island results of P24 and P25 weren’t representative of his running at the front Down Under, and the Frenchman did well with a 1’43.303s lap to send him to P2. Lucas Mahias (GMT94 Yamaha) and his team played the red flag restart to perfection as he left long after the other riders but left himself just enough time to be able to ride a two-lap stint in which he could ride alone, improving his time to 1’43.357s for P3
ARENAS TO FIGHT FROM ROW 2: The Spanish rider is on the hunt for his second WorldSSP win in two rounds
Albert Arenas (AS BLU CRU Racing Team) is hungry for a second win this rookie season after a breakout win Down Under, and his 1’43.493 P4 set him up well in that pursuit. Philipp Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) placed P5 as well as claimed top Ducati honours on the back of his 1’43.513s. Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing VerdNatura) was mired further down the order for most of the session, until in the final quarter of the session prior to the red flag. The Spanish phenom did enough to start P6 with a personal best lap on the day of 1’43.606s
ZACCONE BEATS THE BUZZER: Seizes the restart opportunity and sends himself to P10
Corentin Perolari (Honda Racing World Supersport) closed 2025 with growing form, and in their second Superpole session of 2026, the Frenchman slotted in a 1’43.625s time to lead the third row on Saturday. Roberto Garcia (GMT94 Yamaha) fought his way up the order as the session wore on, and before the red flag, he had sent himself up to P8 with his time of 1’43.684s. Federico Caricasulo (ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros Racing) sent his ZXMOTO 820RR up to the front of the grid to join his teammate Debise, and while his time was later sent back down, he will still start from the third row in P9 with a time of 1’44.088s. Alessandro Zaccone (Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team) was one of the only riders to benefit from the restart, as a 1’44.152s lap registered as time expired sent him up from P23 to P10.
The top six from the WorldSSP Tissot Superpole session, full results here!
1. Can Oncu (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) 1’42.670s
Sam Lowes (14) at Portimao. Photo courtesy WorldSBK
Sam Lowes led FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice Two (FP2) Friday afternoon at Portimao, in Portugal. Riding his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Ducati Panigale V4R on spec Pirelli tires, the Brit covered the 2.85-mile (4.59 km) track in 1:39.941 to lead the field of 22 riders.
Nicolò Bulega was second-best with a 1:40.188 on his Aruba.It Racing – Ducati Panigale V4R.
Yari Montella was third with a 1:40.351 on his Barni Spark Racing Team Ducati Panigale V4R.
Danilo Petrucci was 12th on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR with a lap time of 1:40.962.
American Garrett Gerloff was 14th with a time of 1:41.029 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR.
FRIDAY REPORT: Sam Lowes beats Bulega to top spot as WorldSBK tackles the Portimao rollercoaster. The two Ducati riders were separated by 0.247s at the end of Friday’s action as Friday concluded in Portugal.
Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) topped both Free Practice sessions at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve as Round 2 for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship kicked off. Taking on the famous rollercoaster, the British rider was the only rider in the 1’39s to claim top spot ahead of Championship leader Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) at the Pirelli Portuguese Round.
SAM LOWES ON TOP: The #14 beats Bulega to P1
British rider Sam Lowes heads into Portimao still nursing a wrist injury, although he was given the all-clear after Thursday’s medical check. He and his team worked on some ergonomics of his Panigale V4R machine in FP1 and was fastest in the morning although he was seen shaking out his left hand after setting his fastest time. In FP2, the #14 went even faster to claim P1 on the combined timesheets, ahead of Australia hat-trick hero Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati). The #11 set a 1’40.188s to claim P2, unable to join Sam Lowes in the 1’39s bracket. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) continued his impressive form from Australia as he claimed P3 with Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) in P5. The #7 had a disrupted day, with a tech problem in FP1 costing him some running time and a crash in FP2 at Turn 5 doing the same. However, he set a 1’40.458s to finish half-a-second down on Sam Lowes’ time. Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team) was another who fell victim to the right-hand hairpin at Turn 5 but he improved his time at the end of the session to take P6. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Team GoEleven) was ninth with Tarran Mackenzie (MGM Optical Express Racing) in 14th. Tommy Bridewell (Superbike Advocates) is preparing for his first weekend as a full-time rider and had two big moments coming over the crest after Turn 8, although he did fall at Turn 5 in FP2. He finished the day in 15th, two places ahead of Alberto Surra (Motocorsa Racing).
Nicolo Bulega at Portimao. Photo courtesy WorldSBK
STRONG START FOR BIMOTA: Alex Lowes top four, Bassani P7
Bimota were strong at Phillip Island and that looks to have continued at Portimao, with both Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) and teammate Alex Lowes in the top seven of the combined times. The #22 finished the day in P4 thanks to his FP1 team, with the Brit one of just a few riders not to improve their time in the afternoon session. 1’40.442s was his fastest time and his FP2 was disrupted by a Turn 5 fall. Bassani was seventh overall after finding time in FP2, 1’40.564s his best time.
OLIVEIRA LEADS BMW: Aiming for a good result on home soil
Home hero Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) and teammate Danilo Petrucci spent the first part of FP2 running on track close together as they looked to continue adapting to the M 1000 RR machine. Oliveira was the faster of the two as he looks to replicate his 2020 Portuguese Grand Prix success, finishing in eighth place after posting a 1’40.685s, while Petrucci had a three-tenths gap to his teammate. However, that time difference meant ‘Petrux’ finished the day in 13th place.
STRONG START FOR GERLOFF: The Texan doesn’t find time in FP2
Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) heads into the Portuguese Round in great form and spirits, after getting married in the gap between Phillip Island and Portimao. That continued on Friday in Portugal although he was outside the top ten on the combined timesheets, after not improving his time in FP2. His best time of the day came in the morning as he posted a 1’40.951s.
VIERGE ON TOP IN BLUE: Continuing to lead Yamaha’s charge
Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) has so often been the fastest Yamaha rider this season and that continued on Friday at Portimao, securing a top-ten place; the sole Yamaha rider to do so. He was directly ahead of Remy Gardner (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) in 11th, while Vierge’s teammate, Andrea Locatelli, was 16th. Stefano Manzi (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK Team) was 19th while Bahattin Sofuoglu (Motoxracing WorldSBK Team) and teammate Mattia Rato rounded out the WorldSBK field; the Turkish rider had a Turn 5 fall in FP2.
TWO CRASHES AT HONDA: Rea, Chantra both fall in FP2
Jonathan Rea (Honda HRC) was the fastest of the two Honda riders on track at Portimao, although his day was disrupted by a Free Practice 2 crash at Turns 10-11 at the change of direction. Nevertheless, the six-time Champion finished in 18th place with a 1’41.578s. Teammate Somkiat Chantra also had a crash in FP2, having a high-speed fall at Turn 15 but the Thai rider was able to walk away from his crash. He finished in 20th, four tenths behind his teammate.
The top six from Portimao’s Friday action, full results here:
1. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) 1’39.941s
2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.247s
3. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.410s
4. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.501s
5. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.517s
6. Álvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.535s
Follow Saturday’s WorldSBK action from 09:40 Local Time (UTC+0) on Saturday using the WorldSBK VideoPass!
Pedro Acosta during FP1 at COTA. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Pedro Acosta topped MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Circuit Of The Americas, in Texas. Riding his Michelin-shod Red Bull KTM Factory Racing RC16, the Spaniard turned a lap of 2:01.715 around the 3.43-mile (5.51 km) track and led the 22-rider field.
Fabio Di Giannantonio was second-best with a 2:01.818 on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Ducati Desmosedici GP26.
Jorge Martin was third with a lap of 2:01.936 on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP26.
Acosta takes charge in COTA FP1, Marc Marquez crash brings out red flag. The #37 was back to the top straight out of the crate on Friday whilst the reigning Champion suffered a far from smooth session.
Enjoying the first rodeo at COTA in 2026, Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) led the way in FP1. The Spaniard set a lap time of 2’01:715 to have a tenth in his pocket over the field. Elsewhere, the session was red-flagged due to a crash for Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) at Turn 10. Slow to get to his feet but ultimately getting back out to the track later on, the reigning World Champion’s start to the weekend was far from ideal.
Fast laps came in right at the end of the session with the track rubbered in and in good condition. With just over two minutes left on the clock, Acosta went into P1 by a tenth of a second, back on the pace he showed at Buriram. A podium finisher in 2025 at COTA, Di Giannantonio was up in second place and started his US GP weekend strongly. Making it three different manufacturers inside the top three, Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing) was top Aprilia in the opening session in the USA as his strong form from Brazil continues. The first major headline of the session occurred at Turn 10, when the #93 crashed, bringing out the red flag. Able to walk away, he did eventually get back out on track in the final ten minutes of the session, completing it in P4 whilst Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) clinched P5.
Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) was able to come away with sixth place in the opening session of the weekend whilst making it seven different teams in the top seven, Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol). Ai Ogura (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) continued his top ten form with eighth place in FP1 whilst Championship leader Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) was the slowest of the Aprilias in P9 but set more laps than anyone else in the top ten – which was completed by Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team). Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) was 11th, one place ahead of top Yamaha Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP).
Celestino Vietti (13) during FP1 at COTA. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Celestino Vietti was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Circuit Of The Americas, in Texas. Riding his Pirelli-shod HDR SpeedRS Team Boscoscuro on the 3.43-mile (5.51 km) track, the Italian recorded a 2:06.724 to lead the field of 28 riders.
David Alonso was the best of the rest with a 2:06.779 on his CFMOTO Power Electronics Aspar Team Kalex.
Tony Arbolino was third-fastest with a 2:06.863 on his REDS Fantic Racing Kalex.
American Joe Roberts finished the opening session in 17th with a 2:08.090 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.
Alvaro Carpe (83) at COTA. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Alvaro Carpe was quickest during Moto3 World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Circuit Of The Americas, in Texas. Riding his Red Bull KTM Ajo machine on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard covered the 3.43-mile (5.51 km) road course in 2:14.209, topping the field of 25 riders.
Maximo Quiles was the best of the rest with a 2:14.405 on his CFMOTO Valresa Aspar Team KTM.
Joel Esteban was third with a lap time of 2:14.555 on his LevelUP MTA KTM.
Maria Herrera (6) earned pole position at Portimao. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.
Maria Herrera topped FIM World Women’s Circuit Racing Superpole qualifying Friday afternoon at Portimao, in Portugal. Riding her Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha YZF-R7 on Pirelli control tires, Herrera lapped the 2.85-mile (4.49 km) course in 1:52.572 to top the field of 25 riders and earn pole position.
Paola Ramos was the best of the rest with a 1:52.988 on her Klint Racing Yamaha YZF-R7 , and her teammate Roberta Ponziani earned the third and final spot on the front row with a lap time of 1:53.710.
American Mallory Dobbs got 20th on her YVS Sabadell Diva Racing Yamaha YZF-R7 with a time of 1:56.093.
FIGHTING FOR P1: Herrera resists Ramos challenge to secure Portimao pole. The two Spaniards were duelling it out for pole position at Portimao, with Herrera coming out on top against Ramos.
The fight for the first pole position of the 2026 FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship went in favour of Maria Herrera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR) as she beat Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team) by four tenths at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve. The Pirelli Portuguese Round marks the start of the third WorldWCR campaign and Herrera started her title defence exactly how she would have imagined by claiming P1 for Saturday’s Race 1 grid.
HERRERA VS RAMOS FOR POLE: A step ahead of the field in Superpole
Herrera wasted no time in throwing down a gauntlet as she set a 1’52.923s on her first flying lap, despite seemingly having traffic heading through the final corner. That lap alone was over a second quicker than her rivals, with Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team) slotting into P2. That margin would have been the biggest gap between first and second in WorldWCR history, although Ramos was able to reduce it to just 0.187s as the final runs started, before closing it further again. However, Herrera set a 1’52.572s to cement her place on pole at Portimao and take her seventh pole in the category as she smashed the lap record. Roberta Ponziani (Klint Racing Team) fended off a host of riders to take a front row start for the season-opener, posting a 1’53.170s.
NEILA CLIMBS THE ORDER: The #36 rescues a second-row start
Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) salvaged a second row start with her last lap in the 25-minute session. The #36 set a 1’54.141s to secure P4 ahead of rookie Yvonne Cerpa (MotosCerpa), who impressed as she claimed P5 in her first WorldWCR weekend. Talya Relph (Full Throttle Racing) did provisionally post a front-row time but found herself demoted as the session progressed, eventually settling for P6.
COMPLETING THE TOP TEN: Boudesseul heads the third row
Lucie Boudesseul (GMT94 Yamaha) will go from the third row in Race 1 after securing a P7 start ahead of Sara Sanchez (Hadden Racing Team) in eighth. The #64 posted a 1’54.324s to move onto the third row and she’s joined by Pakita Ruiz (PR46+1 Racing Team) in ninth. Natalia Rivera (Terra & Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR) completed the top ten with a 1’54.727s.
The top six from WorldWCR Superpole, full results here:
1. María Herrera (Terra&Vita GRT Yamaha WorldWCR) 1’52.572s
2. Paola Ramos (Klint Racing Team) +0.416s
3. Roberta Ponziani (Klint Racing Team) +1.138s
4. Beatriz Neila (Ampito Crescent Yamaha) +1.569s
5. Yvonne Cerpa (MotosCerpa) +1.577s
6. Tayla Relph (Full Throttle Racing) +1.681s
Don’t miss the first race of the 2026 season at 12:00 Local Time (UTC+0) on Saturday –
Archie Mcdonald (69) during Bagger World Cup FP1 at COTA. Photo by Michael Gougis.
Archie Mcdonald was quickest during FIM Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup Free practice 1 (FP1) Friday morning at Circuit Of The Americas, in Texas. Riding his Joe Rascal Racing Harley-Davidson on Dunlop control tires, the Australian covered the 3.43-mile (5.51 km) road course in 2:13.705, topping the field of 8 riders.
Oscar Gutierrez was the best of the rest with a 2:14.263 on his Niti Racing Harley-Davidson.
Mcdonald teammate’s Cody Wyman was third with a lap time of 2:15.584.
Riding for Saddlemen Racing Harley-Davidson, American teammates Jake Lewis (2:16.297), Travis Wyman (2:16.715), and Cory West (2:16.775) finished 5th, 7th, and 8th respectively.
Valentin Debise (53) at Phillip Island. Photo courtesy Evan Bros Team.
Valentin Debise was quickest during FIM Supersport World Championship Free practice Friday morning at Portimao, in Portugal. Riding his Evan Bros Racing ZXMOTO 820RR on Pirelli control tires, the Frenchman covered the 2.85-mile (4.59 km) road course in 1:43.758, topping the field of 32 riders.
Can Oncu was the best of the rest with a 1:44.218 on his Pata Ten Kate Yamaha YZF-R9.
Jaume Masia was third with a lap time of 1:44.244 on his Orelac Racing Verdnatura Ducati Panigale V2.
Sam Lowes (14) quickest in FP1 at Portimao. Photo courtesy WorldSBK.
Sam Lowes was quickest during FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice 1 Friday morning at Portimao, in Portugal. Riding his Pirelli-shod ELF Marc VDS Ducati Panigale V4R on the 2.85-mile (4.59 km) track, the Brit recorded a 1:40.287 to lead the field of 22 riders.
Nicolo Bulega was the best of the rest with a 1:40.291 on his Aruba.It Racing – Ducati Panigale V4R.
Alex Lowes was third-fastest with a 1:40.442 on his Bimoto by Kawasaki KB998 Rimini.
American Garrett Gerloff finished the opening session in 7th with a 1:40.951 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR.
Sam Lowes pips Bulega to FP1 honours at Portimao by 0.004s, Alex Lowes completes top three. The #14 had a delayed start to Free Practice 1 in WorldSBK but wasted no time in getting up to speed once he hit the track.
Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) left it late to claim top spot in Free Practice 1 for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship as the action at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve kicked off. After missing the first 15 minutes or so through a technical problem, the #14 slowly built his speed up throughout the 45-minute session as he beat Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) by 0.004s and twin brother Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) by 0.155s.
Sam Lowes missed out on running at the start of the session due to electronics issues on his Panigale V4R machine, setting his first time around 17 minutes into FP1. Building his speed throughout the session, the British star eventually went fastest on his final lap as he posted a 1’40.287s; although he was shaking out his left hand after crossing the line. This demoted Bulega into P2 although there was little to separate the pair, with just 0.004s between them. Alex Lowes had been quick all session, and let a Bimota 1-2 at points, although found himself demoted to third as riders improved at the end of the session.
Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) had a strong session as he finished in P4, although he lost some valuable running time with a tech problem that he suffered around 10 minutes into the session. He re-joined the action once it was repaired and set his best time, a 1’40.663s, to claim P4. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) continued his excellent Australian Round pace with P5, 0.493s down on Sam Lowes, while Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) completed the top six.
Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) heads into Portimao fresh off the back of his wedding, and he also had a good start to the weekend. The Texan took P7 with a 1’40.951s, finishing ahead of Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha) in P8. The Spaniard was the lead Yamaha rider as he finished ahead of Danilo Petrucci (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) and Alvaro Bautista (Barni Spark Racing Team), who completed the top ten.
Home hero Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was 11th, although he was just a tenth away from finishing in the top eight. Jonathan Rea (Honda HRC) was 17th on his Honda return, with Somkiat Chantra (Honda HRC) in 19th.
The top six from WorldSBK Free Practice 1, full results here:
1. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) 1’40.287s
2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.004s
3. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.155s
4. Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.376s
5. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.493s
6. Axel Bassani (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) +0.502s
Catch all the action from WorldSBK FP2 at 15:00 Local Time (UTC+0) using the WorldSBK VideoPass!
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