INTENSE WEEKEND IN PORTIMÃO FOR GMT94, HONDA HRC, AND BIMOTA IN WORLD SUPERBIKE AND SUPERSPORT

The Algarve International Circuit in Portimão, Portugal, hosted an exciting weekend of motorcycle racing, with action in both the World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK) and the Supersport World Championship (WorldSSP).

Friday began positively for GMT94 Yamaha, with Lucas Mahias (#94) setting the second-fastest time in qualifying, securing a front-row start for Race 1 on Saturday. That race marked Mahias’ 100th appearance in the Supersport World Championship. His teammate, Michael Rinaldi (#21), who started from 20th on the grid, made a great start and moved up to 15th after the first lap, eventually finishing 19th.

The Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team, in its debut season as a factory outfit, achieved its best result so far in WorldSBK. In Race 2 on Sunday, Axel Bassani (#47) finished seventh after an intense battle in a race shortened to 11 laps due to a red flag. The Italian rider delivered a strong performance on the Bimota KB998 Rimini, securing his best result with the brand to date.

On the other hand, Alex Lowes (#22) wasn't as fortunate. A crash on the first lap of Race 2, at Turn 12, forced him to retire. Lowes leaves Portugal without scoring points, but with valuable data to aid the bike's development.

In MotoGP, specifically in Austin, USA, the Honda HRC Castrol team had a strong showing. On Friday, Joan Mir (#36) secured a direct spot in Q2 and ended the day ninth in the combined times, showing competitive pace in both dry and wet conditions.

On Sunday, Luca Marini (#10) achieved his best result in a Grand Prix aboard the Honda RC213V by finishing eighth, earning valuable points that place him ninth in the overall World Championship standings. A steady progression for rider #10, who continues to adapt confidently to the Japanese bike.

The WorldSBK paddock now prepares for the next round in Assen (Netherlands), while MotoGP turns its focus to the Qatar Grand Prix, taking place April 11–13 at the Lusail Circuit. Expectations are high for all teams as they aim to keep scoring points and build on the momentum of an already thrilling season.