Penultimate Superbike weekend of 2026: What you need to know about Estoril

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Circuito do Estoril made a surprise and spectacular comeback to the Superbike World Championship in 2020 – previously, the production-based world championship had only visited the track near Lisbon in 1988 and 1993. The races at the season finale were extremely thrilling and closely contested. Since then, the Superbike World Championship has been a regular fixture at Estoril, with the exception of 2023.

At the start of the year, however, there was much speculation as to whether this year’s penultimate round of the season would be able to take place at all. This was because Grandstand A had already been closed due to structural defects and complaints from local residents, and the track days that normally take place there had been cancelled. In August, however, the works teams from BMW and the Honda Racing Corporation, amongst others, completed a trouble-free test at Estoril.

The main features of the circuit are significant changes in elevation and a straight stretch almost one kilometre long. Spread across 4,182 metres (width 10–18 metres) are four left-hand bends and nine right-hand bends. Overtaking opportunities are provided by the long straight, as well as two tight hairpin bends and a challenging chicane.

The asphalt, which is uneven in places, offers a moderate level of grip. A stable bike under braking and good handling are essential for fast lap times. The full-throttle section lasts just 22 seconds.

Of the current riders, only the Ducati riders Nicolò Bulega (2) and Álvaro Bautista (1) have won races on the Portuguese circuit to date. Toprak Razgatlioglu has claimed the most victories, winning two races with Yamaha and four with BMW.

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Miguel Oliveira would like to follow in their footsteps this coming weekend. The 31-year-old from Almada is the only Portuguese rider in the top category. The organisers are expecting a significantly larger crowd than in previous years thanks to Oliveira, as was already the case in Portimão. The weather looks set to cooperate: pleasant temperatures and sunshine are forecast for the whole weekend.

In the Supersport category, we’ll see Goncalo Capote (19/Yamaha), a compatriot of the BMW works rider, competing as a guest starter.