The Algarve Circuit in Portimão is set to host the 21st edition of the Portuguese Grand Prix of MotoGP from Friday to Sunday. This year’s event will notably be without reigning champion Jorge Martin and multiple-time champion Marc Márquez, both sidelined due to injuries. Márquez has clinched the MotoGP title seven times in his career but will miss the Portuguese race following a recent injury.
For Portuguese rider Miguel Oliveira, 2023 has been a challenging season marked by injuries after he was taken out of contention early in a race by Márquez in Portimão. Oliveira suffered a shoulder ligament injury in Argentina, causing him to miss three subsequent races in the United States, Qatar, and Spain, which hampered his performance during the first half of the season. This unfortunate circumstance played a role in Oliveira’s satellite Yamaha team exercising a performance clause, allowing for his release from the contract set to expire in 2026.
As the event approaches, Oliveira prepares to bid farewell to the MotoGP environment in his home country. The Portuguese rider, who won in Portimão in 2020, is one of only four to have achieved victory at this circuit, alongside Quartararo, Bagnaia, and Martin. Oliveira’s previous win marked a highlight in his career, as he was the first to celebrate on the podium at this venue upon its debut in the MotoGP calendar.
Expected to draw around 170,000 attendees over the weekend, the event not only has a sporting significance but is also poised to provide a substantial economic boost. Jaime Costa, director of the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, notes that ticket sales are proceeding well, echoing last year’s attendance figures. The organization is implementing various entertainment options including dedicated fan areas, food and drink stalls, and showcases to enhance the spectator experience.
The logistical arrangements include free transport for ticket holders to alleviate traffic congestion. Such measures aim to create a comfortable and enjoyable journey to the race.
The Portuguese Grand Prix has a rich history, first held in 1987 at Jarama in Spain and returning to Portugal in 2000 at the Estoril Circuit until 2012. The event saw a resurgence in 2020 at the Algarve Circuit, which has since become a prominent fixture in the MotoGP calendar. The weekend races are expected to provide thrilling competition as riders and teams aim to clinch vital championship points.
Overall, the event presents a unique opportunity for Oliveira to connect with local fans and leave a lasting impression in his final MotoGP race on home turf, as he prepares for a transition to the Superbike World Championship next year. The excitement surrounding the races and the community support symbolically reinforces the importance of motorsport in Portugal.