Photo finishes, home winners and controversy – the Portuguese GP delivers every time! It’s nearly time to head back out on track at Portimao, one of the most technical tracks on the calendar. But before all of that, take a deep dive into our time machine to relive the best battles we’ve seen in Portugal!
2005 – Barros clinches gold for Brazil
Alex Barros had an unforgettable weekend in Portugal, marking his final premier class win. Sete Gibernau held the advantage in the early stages, leaving Max Biaggi, Valentino Rossi and Barros in the podium fight. The Brazilian got his elbows out, entering second as spots of rain began to appear. Gibernau crashed out in the closing laps, and with Barros remaining smooth, he would claim victory ahead of Rossi and Biaggi!
2006 – THE 0.002s photo finish
The 2006 Portuguese GP delivered Championship tension, teammate drama and an iconic photo finish. Valentino Rossi grabbed P1 at the start, leading the opening laps before the attention turned to Honda as Dani Pedrosa collided with Nicky Hayden, forcing both riders to crash out in a huge moment in the title race. The Grand Prix went down to an iconic run to the line, with Toni Elias pipping Rossi by a mere 0.002s as Kenny Roberts Jr claimed a remarkable third.
2007 – Rossi and Pedrosa produce Estoril magic
2007 delivered a thrilling battle between Valentino Rossi and Dani Pedrosa at Estoril. It was Casey Stoner who took the advantage in the opening laps, eventually being caught by Pedrosa as he launched his attack with 22 laps to go. Rossi was quickly closing in, taking the lead a few laps later after a brave move at Turn 1. It was the start of a memorable scrap as the key move arrived on the penultimate lap, with Rossi defeating Pedrosa by 0.175s as Stoner bagged third.
2020 – Oliveira’s fairytale win
Our first visit to Portimao came in 2020, playing host as the curtain closer to the season. Home hero Miguel Oliveria launched from pole position, setting sights on his second win of the year. The #88 extended his advantage on the opening laps, storming into the distance and leaving Franco Morbidelli and Jack Miller to fight the second. It was a hot pace at the front, with Oliveira eventually clinching victory by 3.193s as Miller finished second – defeating Morbidelli.
2024 – Martin wins as Bagnaia and Marc Marquez collide
Simply put, our last visit to Portimao was one of the most dramatic, with late clashes and rookie surprises. Jorge Martin held the advantage at the start, leading from Maverick Viñales, who looked to impress after a strong Saturday. Headlines were made with three laps to go as Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez collided – hitting the deck at Turn 5. Martin went on to claim victory from Enea Bastianini and rookie sensation Pedro Acosta, whilst Viñales suffered a late crash.