Portimão is Bulega’s and Ducati’s land of conquest. Nicolò once again dominated the race in Portugal, leaving his rivals with nothing. Ducati is celebrating, and, for the occasion, it’s also putting a smile on Iker Lecuona’s face, after he finally emerged from the darkness following years of struggle.
The circuit, transformed into a stadium, also provided the setting for Miguel Oliveira’s celebration of his first Superbike podium with BMW. The Portuguese rider couldn’t have given his fans and a better gift. But not everyone has a reason to smile.
THE GOOD – Besides Nicolò Bulega, Iker Lecuona and Miguel Oliveira were the highlights of the Portimão. Their stories are different, yet their destinies share certain common threads. The Spanish rider has rediscovered the smile that had been missing from his face for years, banishing the nightmares that surfaced a month ago in Australia. The Portuguese rider, on the other hand, has dispelled Toprak’s specter, proving that the BMW is a winning bike for others, as well. Let’s hope this marks the beginning of a new chapter.
THE UGLY – The weekend at Portimão could be described as one of missed opportunities for the Barni team. Montella had second place within reach in Race 1, but fell, just like he did in Australia. He then fell again on Sunday. Alvaro Bautista was in the same boat, also betrayed by his bike and left out of contention. Let’s hope the Dutch air brings them better luck.
THE BAD – For every BMW shining on the podium, there’s another one playing catch-up. That’s Danilo Petrucci's, still searching for the right path. In Portugal, Petrux had to play catch-up, struggling to find his pace on the M 1000 RR. Petrucci was very honest in describing himself as a “diesel” engine. Let’s hope he fires up soon!
THE DISAPPOINTMENT – A year ago, he was in the thick of the podium battle. This time, however, he didn’t even get to see it. Andrea Locatelli’s start to the championship has been lackluster. If 2026 was supposed to be a turning point, it hasn’t been that so far. Instead of improving, his Yamaha seems to be taking steps backwards, and Andrea appears to have lost his way. Assen, where he won a year ago, is coming up in less than a month. Who knows, maybe things will turn around.
THE CONFIRMATION – Nicolò Bulega. We won’t waste time explaining why… it seems clear enough.
THE ERROR– A full-blown embarrassment, with no one stepping forward to explain what happened. At Portimao, the FIM halted the QJ because the manufacturer failed to comply with homologation regulations. There are 150 motorcycles missing from the required production count... no small mistake.
THE SURPRISE – While one Chinese manufacturer is tearing its hair out, another is surprising everyone. We’re talking about ZX-Moto, the newcomer that hit the track this year with the Evan Bros. team. History was made in Portimão. In just the second race, Valentin Debise scored a dream one-two finish. What can we say? Hats off to them!
THE OVERTAKE – She had to give up on Saturday, but she put everyone in their place on Sunday. Paola Ramos was simply perfect, and her attack on Maria Herrera earned her the victory.
THE ANECDOTE – In the three Superbike races held this weekend, the top five always finished in the same order: Bulega, Lecuona, Oliveira, Alex, and Sam Lowes.
THE I TOLD YOU SO – Lecuona in Sunday’s post-race interview:“I don’t know who'll win in Austin, but there’s definitely going to be a Ducati on the podium.” Unfortunately, in Texas, the Rossa watched from afar.