Cycle News Staff | March 24, 2024
Sunday MotoGP Race
The 2024 Grande Premio Tissot de Portugal was a stunning lights to flag win for Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) as the number #89 took the victory and the Championship lead with it. But this is the world’s most exciting sport, and there are no single sentence explanations to cover 25 laps of MotoGP™ on the rollercoaster. Martin won, and Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) chased him close all the way until a heartbreaking last lap technical issue. Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) came though to take second and his first podium of the year. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech 3) made history as the third youngest podium finisher in premier class history with an incredible charge past Champions past and present. And?
11 World Championships went toe-to-toe, and all of them slid off into the runoff. Riders ok, but in one of the most dramatic incidents for some time, Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) collided with only a handful of laps to go. The FIM MotoGP™ Stewards officially deem it a racing incident, but it seems a moment that will be debriefed for weeks, months, if not years to come.
Martin was sublime in Portugal, taking the race win and a healthy championship lead.
But back to the start. It was a stunning launch from Martin to take the holeshot, with Bastianini slotting in behind as Bagnaia shot up a place. Viñales initially dropped to fourth then fought back, round the outside of the reigning Champion. Bastianini was then slightly wide and Viñales headed through, with the two Ducatis then shuffling. Marc Marquez tried his luck with a move through too, but it settled down slightly after the adrenaline spike with Martin leading Viñales, Bastianini, Bagnaia and Marc Marquez.
Martin looked to be trying to break, but Viñales responded to stay in touch, and likewise Bastianini. What was a seven tenth gap became five and then three as the Aprilia dug in. Bastianini was holding station in third ahead of Bagnaia and Marc Marquez, with an RC-16 war raging on their tail.
Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) led teammate Jack Miller led Acosta, but the gloves were off and the South African made his move as Miller was then sent a little wide at Turn 1. His teammate was through, and so was Acosta – before the rookie then also attacked Binder at the same place not long after. The charge to history was on.
From there, it was target lock on Marc Marquez. And he homed in and did the same with a brutal move at Turn 1, pitched perfectly to make his way past but not open the door enough to allow the eight-time World Champion to reply.
Acosta comes storming past on Bagnaia on his way to the podium.
At the front, Martin marched on, and so did Viñales as he shadowed. Bastianini held station, close enough to be cooking something up, as behind another titanic battle erupted.
Acosta’s charge didn’t stop at Marc Marquez as the rookie homed in on the reigning Champion next. He chose Turn 1 again, but the rear slipped once, then twice, and he headed just wide enough getting it back under control to let Pecco back through. Not long after, Acosta was able to get past Bagnaia once again, and that left the reigning Champion to go toe-to-toe with Marc Marquez. And then came the drama.
Marquez went for one attempt but the door was shut. This time he wasn’t going to try and push it open a la Sprint, either. Four laps to go saw the Gresini remain an absolute shadow, but Bagnaia gained a little breathing space next time round. Just enough that when the #93 did strike, it was another absolute lunge – and it nearly did work. But Bagnaia is Bagnaia and the reigning Champion had anticipated, took back the inside line as tightly as possible… and that was that. The two diverged on the same space, and two into one doesn’t fit. Contact made, they both slid out as the crowd erupted.
Meanwhile, the rider sweeping past to take that fourth place? Acosta. But there was another twist in the tale for another rider up ahead, with fourth about to become premier class history.
Crossing the line for the last lap, Martin had enough in hand to bet on. But Viñales was suddenly slowing, hanging off the bike and then looking down as he headed into the run off. A late technical issue made it a heartbreaking end to the GP race for the Sprint winner, as he then crashed out as it said no more. And that put Acosta on the podium after his gung-ho charge for glory.
Marquez made a late lunge on Bagnaia and tried to cut back to take the line but collided with the Ducati, both men going down.
Up ahead, Bastianini was close to Martin, but not close enough to strike. The #89 achieved the 89th victory for Ducati in style, winning holeshot to flag despite the drama and the tension in the chase. Bastianini, after a tougher Qatar GP and Sprint in Portugal, gets that podium to begin his count for the season, and then comes Acosta.
The number #31 is the third youngest premier class podium finisher of all time, getting it done in only his second race to join an exclusive club. Acosta was also the first over the line of the trio of KTM/GASGAS RC16s, with Binder taking fourth and Miller fifth.
Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) took P6 and was able to stay ahead of Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™), who took P7 after a weekend getting straight through to Q2 too. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) managed to come through to P8, ahead of home hero Miguel Oliveira (Trackhouse Racing) in ninth. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) completed the top ten but by hundredths ahead of Augusto Fernandez (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3). Find full results below.
So the dust settles on Sunday evening. Or does it? One incident can become a whole storyline, or a move re-calculated. Or just the calm, certain desire to make sure that when next time comes, you’re coming out on top. The best rivalries build between those on a level that enables them to take each other on – and still back themselves.
2024 Portuguese MotoGP—MotoGP Race
| 1 |
Jorge Martin |
(Prima Pramac Racing) |
|
| 2 |
Enea Bastianini |
(Ducati Lenovo Team) |
+0.882 |
| 3 |
Pedro Acosta |
(Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) |
+5.362 |
| 4 |
Brad Binder |
(Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) |
+11.129 |
| 5 |
Jack Miller |
(Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) |
+16.437 |
| 6 |
Marco Bezzecchi |
(Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) |
+19.403 |
| 7 |
Fabio Quartararo |
(Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) |
+20.130 |
| 8 |
Aleix Espargaro |
(Aprilia Racing) |
+21.549 |
| 9 |
Miguel Oliveira |
(Trackhouse Racing) |
+23.929 |
| 10 |
Fabio Di Giannantonio |
(Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) |
+28.195 |
Sunday Moto2 Race
Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) is a Moto2™ race winner! The Spaniard broke his victory drought with a stylish win by two seconds as the podium fight exploded behind him in Portugal. Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team) completed a brilliant weekend at Portimao to take second, fighting off polesitter Manuel Gonzalez (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) before Gonzalez had his own showdowns to secure that third place. Meanwhile, Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) had to do two long laps after jumping the start, leaving him down the order but still fast as ever as the new Ducati signing set off on a charge.
Aldeguer led into Turn 1, but soon teammate Alonso Lopez hit the front, launching an attack on his teammate even before Aldeguer served the first of his penalties. The #54 then took his first LLP on lap four, dropping down to 11th before the second on lap seven, dropping to 13th.
Canet set the pace early on, stealing the fastest lap of the race while sitting in second – setting sights on a first Moto2™ win. Polesitter Gonzalez sat in third position after finding a way through on the fast-charging Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI). Ogura’s fourth did not last long as Roberts and Albert Arenas (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) found a way through.
As laps ticked down, Lopez maintained an advantage at the front until lap 11, when the race was blown wide open as the Spaniard lost the front at turn 13 – crashing out the lead. That promoted Canet to p1 and Roberts into second at the venue where the American claimed his first win in 2021.
Aron Canet (44) at long last claimed his maiden Moto2 win over American Joe Roberts.
All eyes were now on Canet in the lead and Aldeguer, who was carving through the field and back inside the top 10 in two laps. The Spaniard soon set the fastest lap, circulating quicker than Canet at the front of the field with 10 laps remaining.
Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) was having a ferocious battle with Jeremy Alcoba (Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team) for seventh position, allowing Arenas to escape in front. They could not match the pace of Aldeguer on his mission to the front, as the #54 flew down the inside and remarkably entered fifth place.
It was beginning to build to be an incredible end to the race with a battle brewing inside the front group. Gonzalez found a way through on Roberts, trying to up the pace and catch Canet at the front.
Now with just three laps to go the gloves were off after Aldeguer launched a brave attack at turn three to pass Ogura briefly before the Japanese rider responded. Meanwhile, Roberts entered second position before Gonzalez quickly responded – putting pressure on the American.
Two laps remained as the dream began to look like a reality for Canet, crossing the line with a lead of almost two seconds with just 2.85 miles to go. You could cut the tension with a knife on the last lap of the race with Canet leading as an all-out battle for the final place on the podium was happening behind.
As the chequered flag loomed, Canet even celebrated round the final corner before finally becoming a Moto2™ race winner. Roberts continues to celebrate success In Portimao, finishing second ahead of Gonzalez, who finally got the better of Aldeguer after Ogura dropped to fifth on the final lap after a near highside on the exit of turn four battling the #54.
Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI) battled to sixth place, in yet another impressive race from the Spaniard, ahead of Celestino Vietti (Red Bull KTM Ajo), Arenas, Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team) and Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) rounding out the top ten. Alcoba and Arbolino continued their battle to the line but dropped down to 11th and 12th at the end of 21 laps.
2024 Portuguese MotoGP—Moto2 Race
| 1 |
Aron Canet |
(Fantic Racing) |
|
| 2 |
Joe Roberts |
(OnlyFans American Racing Team) |
+2.059 |
| 3 |
Manuel Gonzalez |
(QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) |
+2.610 |
| 4 |
Fermin Aldeguer |
(Beta Tools SpeedUp) |
+3.212 |
| 5 |
Ai Ogura |
(MT Helmets – MSI) |
+3.728 |
| 6 |
Sergio Garcia |
(MT Helmets – MSI) |
+6.716 |
| 7 |
Celestino Vietti |
(Red Bull KTM Ajo) |
+7.288 |
| 8 |
Albert Arenas |
(QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) |
+7.663 |
| 9 |
Marcos Ramirez |
(OnlyFans American Racing Team) |
+7.758 |
| 10 |
Somkiat Chantra |
(IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) |
+8.728 |
Sunday Moto3 Race
Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) won a classic drag to the line finish at the stunning Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, staying ahead of Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) by just 0.044 as the two battled it out on the last lap. Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) completed the podium as the lead trio turned up the wick in the final few laps to escape former race leader David Alonso (CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team).
Rueda took the holeshot and had his turn making a gap, managing to stay ahead of the group until 10 to go. Then Alonso made his move and looked to be trying to make a break as the gap extended. But not so, as Holgado and Rueda duo closed the CFMoto Aspar rider down, got past, and in a handful of laps had been able to make their own gap.
Holgado just manages to hold it to the line over Rueda for the Moto3 win in Portugal.
Onto the last lap, it seemed likely it would remain a duel. Holgado led over the line with Rueda for close company, with Ortola just off the back but forced to wait in the wings for any possible drama. Rueda went for a move at Turn 14 and was briefly ahead taking a tighter line, but the number 99 couldn’t keep it as Holgado pinned it and swept back into the lead. It all came down to the final corner and again, the Red Bull GASGAS Tech3 was able to stay ahead and gas it towards the line with just enough metres in hand to take his first Grand Prix win of the year – and the Championship lead.
Rueda may not have taken the win but it’s his best Grand Prix result yet, as well as only his second podium. Ortola completed the rostrum another seven tenths back, but managing to keep more than a second in hand over those on the chase: Alonso, Joel Kelso (BOE Motorsports) and Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) in that order.
Stefano Nepa (LEVELUP – MTA) took P7 ahead of top rookie Joel Esteban (CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team), with David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) beating Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) and rookie Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) in a close finish for P9.
2024 Portuguese MotoGP—Moto3 Race
| 1 |
Daniel Holgado |
(Red Bull Gasgas Tech3) |
|
| 2 |
Jose Antonio Rueda |
(Red Bull KTM Ajo) |
+0.044 |
| 3 |
Ivan Ortola |
(MT Helmets – MSI) |
+0.820 |
| 4 |
David Alonso |
(CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) |
+2.218 |
| 5 |
Joel Kelso |
(BOE Motorsports) |
+2.246 |
| 6 |
Collin Veijer |
(Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) |
+2.263 |
| 7 |
Stefano Nepa |
(LEVELUP – MTA) |
+4.499 |
| 8 |
Joel Esteban |
(CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) |
+5.430 |
| 9 |
David Muñoz |
(BOE Motorsports) |
+16.018 |
| 10 |
Adrian Fernandez |
(Leopard Racing) |
+16.143 |
Saturday MotoGP Sprint Race
Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) is a Tissot Sprint winner! A stunning showdown on the Algarve saw the Aprilia rider get his elbows out and then hold off Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) and Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), who had their own battle down to the last lap. That culminated in a classic, brutal but clean lunge from the #93 to slice through into second and take his best Sprint result yet, with Martin relegated to third.
In the standings it’s closer than ever though, with Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) leading for much of the Sprint before heading wide at Turn 1 and able to stay in the battle – but not move up further than fourth.
Bagnaia (1) held the race lead for much of the encounter but a big moment at turn one saw him finish fourth.
At lights out, it was a brilliant start to the race from Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) who grabbed the holeshot and started storming away on the first lap. Polesitter Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) got swallowed by the front group as the Italian was demoted to P5 following an issue with his ride height device, meanwhile, Marc Marquez was one of those who found a way through on the number 23 – jumping into third place after passing Viñales too.
Bagnaia was on a march though. He hit the front of the race early, trying to build a comfortable gap and quickly. On the chase, Marc Marquez soon found his way through to pass Viñales, and he held that for a handful of laps. But he wasn’t making headway, then running wide at the tricky Turn 5 as the task grew in size again.
Bagnaia seemed in the clear, over a second up the road from Viñales, with Martin and Marc Marquez not far off the Aprilia either. But then the #1 machine was suddenly sailing off at Turn 1, keeping it together but watching the front group flash past as he rejoined just ahead of Miller.
And so Viñales led the Sprint, with some closer and closer company. But with just over two to go, Martin was wide and that was some breathing space for the Aprilia. His, meanwhile, was being filled by a looming #93.
By the last lap, Viñales seemed to have it under control, and Martin vs Marquez was going to decide second and third places on the podium barring any serious late drama. And there was none – but there was a spectacular, on-the-edge, old skool lunge from a master of the craft.
Vinales held his nerve for a first win in Aprilia colors.
Down into Turn 5, there wasn’t really an open door and he wasn’t really in perfect striking distance, but Marc Marquez went for it… and he made it stick. Brutal, close, and just clean enough to be worth a handshake in parc ferme, the eight-time World Champion took his best Sprint result, holding Martin off to the line in a drag race too.
After rejoining ahead of Miller, Bagnaia managed to hold the KTM off to the flag, but it was close – and Bastianini was even closer as the trio took P4, P5 and P6.
Rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) wasn’t far off that battle by the flag either. He took P7 and his best Sprint result yet, with Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) able to recover some positions from a tough qualifying. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) took the final point in the Sprint.
Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was one crasher, out early but rider ok.
2024 Portuguese MotoGP—MotoGP Sprint Race
| 1 |
Maverick Viñales |
(Aprilia Racing) |
|
| 2 |
Marc Marquez |
(Gresini Racing MotoGP™) |
+1.039 |
| 3 |
Jorge Martin |
(Prima Pramac Racing) |
+1.122 |
| 4 |
Francesco Bagnaia |
(Ducati Lenovo Team) |
+4.155 |
| 5 |
Jack Miller |
(Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) |
+4.329 |
| 6 |
Enea Bastianini |
(Ducati Lenovo Team) |
+4.384 |
| 7 |
Pedro Acosta |
(Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) |
+5.088 |
| 8 |
Aleix Espargaro |
(Aprilia Racing) |
+6.161 |
| 9 |
Fabio Quartararo |
(Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) |
+7.501 |
| 10 |
Raul Fernandez |
(Trackhouse Racing) |
+8.484 |
Saturday Moto2
Manuel Gonzalez (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) stole a maiden pole position in the final 20 seconds of qualifying at the Grande Premio Tissot de Portugal, beating new Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) to the honour. Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) lines up on the outside of the front row.
After struggling to set a fast lap in Practice, 13 riders took to action in Q1, with Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia), Ai Ogura (MT Helmets – MSI), Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team), and Senna Agius (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) all making their way into Q2. As Q2 got underway, the pace was heating up as Aldeguer dipped into the 1:41 bracket and track temperature rose to 36C.
It was a first career pole for Gonzales in Moto2.
In the closing stages, nobody could catch Aldeguer until the last minute of the session when Canet and Gonzalez snatched pole position from the Spaniard. In a final lap attempt, Aldeguer gave it everything – but this time it was second at the line, giving Gonzalez a career first pole position and an all-time lap record in the delight to the Gresini squad.
Behind the trio on the front row of the grid will be Qatar GP winner Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools Speed Up), who pushed to the limit at the final corner. Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team) springboarded from 11th to fifth in the final five minutes, and capping off a great Saturday for the QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™ team was Albert Arenas, who lines up for the Portuguese GP sixth. On the third row will be both MT Helmets – MSI riders of Ogura and teammate Sergio Garcia, with Chantra joining them in P9.
2024 Portuguese MotoGP—Moto2 Qualifying
| 1 |
Manuel Gonzalez |
(QJMotor Gresini Moto2) |
1:41.513 |
| 2 |
Fermin Aldeguer |
(Beta Tools SpeedUp) |
+0.134 |
| 3 |
Aron Canet |
(Fantic Racing) |
+0.199 |
| 4 |
Alonso Lopez |
(Beta Tools SpeedUp) |
+0.415 |
| 5 |
Joe Roberts |
(OnlyFans American Racing Team) |
+0.517 |
| 6 |
Albert Arenas |
(QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) |
+0.556 |
| 7 |
Ai Ogura |
(MT Helmets – MSI) |
+0.629 |
| 8 |
Sergio Garcia |
(MT Helmets – MSI) |
+0.645 |
| 9 |
Somkiat Chantra |
(IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) |
+0.660 |
| 10 |
Jeremy Alcoba |
(Yamaha VR46 Master Camp Team) |
+0.666 |
Saturday Moto3
Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) stormed to pole after a near-perfect lap in the closing stages of the qualifying. BOE Motorsports’ Joel Kelso was just 0.059 behind after a brave lap, ending a brilliant Saturday for the Australian. David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) joins them on the front row, unable to take a maiden pole position. Tactics were everything in the second qualifying session of the season after multiple riders missed out in Q1.
It was tight at the top in Q1, but after a stunning lap from Ryusei Yamanaka (MT Helmets – MSI), it placed him top in the opening qualifying session alongside Nicola Carraro (LEVELUP – MTA), Filippo Farioli (SIC58 Squadra Corse), and Vicente Perez (Red Bull KTM Ajo) who would all aim to make their mark in Q2. However, once Q2 started the riders did not wait to put in a fast lap with Alonso, Rueda, and Red Bull GASGAS Tech3’s Daniel Holgado who were battling for the top spot.
Rueda stole pole in Portugal.
On the final run, BOE Motorsports sent both riders out early to do their final run, resulting in Kelso storming his way to a provisional pole and a new lap record. This provisional pole was short-lived as Perez came through on the final lap of qualifying, bagging a maiden pole position. Behind a tight front row will be Qatar GP podium finisher Holgado, who will line up alongside Riccardo Rossi (CIP Green Power) on the second row of the grid. Alongside them will be Dutchman Colin Veijer, who was the sole Liquid Moly Husqvarna Intact GP bike in Q2.
On the third row of the grid was Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) who will start Sunday’s race from seventh – hoping to make his way through the field. Farioli managed to fight from Q1 to eighth on the grid, ahead of MLav Racing’s Scott Ogden and Stefano Nepa (LEVELUP – MTA), who rounds out a very competitive top 10. However, some big names missed out on the chance to fight for pole position including podium contender Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia) and Moto3™ veteran Tatsuki Suzuki (Liquid Moly Husqvarna Intact GP).
2024 Portuguese MotoGP—Moto3 Qualifying
| 1 |
Jose Antonio Rueda |
(Red Bull KTM AJO) |
1:46.379 |
| 2 |
Joel Kelso |
(BOE Motorsports) |
+0.059 |
| 3 |
David Alonso |
(CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) |
+0.118 |
| 4 |
Daniel Holgado |
(Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) |
+0.168 |
| 5 |
Riccardo Rossi |
(CIP Green Power) |
+0.438 |
| 6 |
Colin Veijer |
(Liquid Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) |
+0.495 |
| 7 |
Ivan Ortola |
(MT Helmets – MSI) |
+0.570 |
| 8 |
Filippo Farioli |
(SIC58 Squadra Corse) |
+0.651 |
| 9 |
Scott Ogden |
(MLav Racing) |
+0.794 |
| 10 |
Stefano Nepa |
(LEVELUP – MTA) |
+0.828 |
Saturday MotoE Race One
Nicholas Spinelli (Tech3 E-Racing) finished 2023 on the top step and that’s exactly how he’s started the 2024 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship: with victory. The Italian held off a hard-charging Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) and Mattia Casadei (LCR E-Team) on a close final lap as the top three escaped at the front following some drama for key names in the first showdown of the season.
Spinelli held on for the race one MotoE win.
Garzo took the holeshot after a storming start from Row 2, with Spinelli and Casadei on his tail as polesitter Eric Granado (LCR E-Team) dropped a few positions initially. Over the line for the first time Garzo had held onto it too, denying a Spinelli attack and the Italian also ceding to Casadei and Granado. Next time round Granado then grabbed a 2-for-1 into Turn 1 to take the lead, but not long after the first big drama hit as he slid out. Not long after that there was even more, with Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) crashing out.
A close top four of Casadei, Spinelli, Garzo and Zaccone were then in the lead, with Openbank Aspar Team’s Jordi Torres in touch too. But another huge twist was yet to come. On the penultimate lap down into Turn 5, Zaccone was just that bit too close to Torres and tagged the back of the number 81, sending both sliding out across the run off. The Italian was later also given a Long Lap penalty for the incident.
And then there were three. Onto the final lap, it was close. Spinelli attacked and took the lead at Turn 1, keeping it tidy. Another big opportunity for Garzo and Casadei to try and hit back, Turn 5, was off the table too as yellow flags remained out following the Zaccone-Torres crash. As the final sector dawned, Garzo was tagged on to the Tech3 rider in the lead, but there was no way through. Spinelli kept it perfect to the line for the first win of 2024, with Garzo and Casadei completing the podium.
Saturday MotoE Race Two
Mattia Casadei (LCR E-Team) is back on top of the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship standings after a stunning charge to victory in Race 2 in Portugal. The Italian got his elbows out and held off Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) on the drag to the line, with rookie Oscar Gutierrez (Axxis-MSI) charging through to take third and his first MotoE™ podium.
Race 1 winner Nicholas Spinelli (Tech3 E-Racing) got the holeshot, holding off Garzo on take 2, but the Italian had already had some bad luck – judging his starting position ever so slightly wrong in the slot and given a double Long Lap not long after. Still, Garzo had to get it done on track before that, and the Spaniard shot past at Turn 1 on Lap 2 as Casadei overhauled teammate Eric Granado. Then, before Spinelli could take his penalty, the Italian suddenly slid out at Turn 10.
The MotoE field silently roars int turn one.
That left a gaggle of riders in a tight front group, and Casadei first struck for the front with four to go. Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team), Alessandro Zaccone (Tech3 E-Racing) and Gutierrez were charging into contention too, and the latter didn’t even wait for Zaccone to serve his LLP given for his Race 1 incident, slicing past the Italian on his charge.
Garzo made the next move at the front, taking the lead back from Casadei as Gutierrez pipped past Torres, the rookie then onto the tail of Granado. But Granado’s elbows were also out and the Brazilian attacked his teammate at Turn 11, setting his sights on race leader Garzo.
But the main straight saw another shuffle as the slipstream came into play, and as the field fanned out Garzo kept his grip on the lead, with Gutierrez able to bag a two for one and slice up into second. Casadei headed teammate Granado, and it was going down to the wire.
Into Turn 1 for the final time, Gutierrez attacked Garzo as Casadei then shot past both, the Italian keeping a twitch under control to take over at the front. Garzo grabbed second again on the cutback too, and the top four locked into a tense push to the flag. But the reigning Champion just held on to take his first victory of the year, with Garzo’s second place putting him only a point behind on the way to Round 2. For Gutierrez, meanwhile, it’s a first ever MotoE™ podium in his first round as a full timer, having done two replacement rides in 2023.
Granado was forced to settle for fourth ahead of Torres and Lukas Tulovic (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™), with Kevin Zannoni (Openbank Aspar Team), Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™), Andrea Mantovani (KLINT Forward Factory Team) and Massimo Roccoli (Ongetta SIC58 Squadra Corse) completing the top ten.
2024 Portuguese MotoGP News—Friday
MotoGP heading toward 850cc
The new MotoGP technical regulations to be implemented in 2027 are set to be confirmed in the coming weeks. A reduction in engine capacity (850cc is widely being spoke of), a removal of ride height devices, and a control on aerodynamics are all measures likely to be implemented.
Big changes are coming for the MotoGP class in 2027.
Asked about the upcoming change, Marc Marquez said those responsible for the rules have a decision to make. “Do you want MotoGP being a show for the spectators, or to have the perfect bike? If you take off some off the aerodynamics, if you take off the devices, for the show it’ll be better. Perfect bike means going with more aerodynamics. The lap times will be faster. But the people at home doesn’t realize if we’ll be faster or slower on the TV. I will go that way. Less aero, everything more manual. For the show it will be better.”
KTM rear seat wings
As it bids to close the gap to Ducati, KTM debuted a new seat unit with trick winglets in public on Friday. The part was sampled by test riders Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaro at a private test at Jerez prior to Round 2.
Red Bull gives you yet more wings… This time on the seat of the KTM.
“I really need to have a look because when I compared it this morning the track was too dirty,” said. Binder. “I did the first run when we didn’t even do a lap-time. Then I put it on and didn’t feel a massive difference because we were going so slow but it’s important we try it again tomorrow and then we’ll see.” Interestingly, Binder tried the part, as did rookie Pedro Acosta. Jack Miller didn’t have it available on Friday.
Friday MotoGP
Day 1 on the rollercoaster is in the books and it’s quite a trio leading the way to Q2 at the Grande Premio Tissot de Portugal. Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team) blistered his way to the top by 0.118, with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jack Miller the closest on the chase in second as he got back into the top echelons. Then comes Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™), still within only 0.153 of Bastianini at the top, and after topping FP too. The #93 also had a low drama crash – seemingly the limit testing kind – in the afternoon…
When the afternoon session began, however, it was Red Bull KTM Factory Racing at the top, first Miller and then teammate Brad Binder. Miller also had an extra eventful start to the session, crashing at turn five in the first 10 minutes of Practice, rider ok. The next gambit saw Marc Marquez and Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Ducati) steal the KTM thunder, nudging the RC-16s off the top, but there was plenty left to shuffle in the ultra-tight top ten.
Enea Bastianini banished the demons from last year’s crash at Portimao with the fastest Friday time.
As ever, the tension mounted as the clock ticked down, with those guaranteed 10 places in Q2 up for grabs. The fast laps came thick and fast, but there were a good few spills too, riders all ok but pushing to and over the limit. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) and Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) crashed within seconds of each other, and then it was Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing) and Luca Marini (Repsol Honda Team) minutes later.
After Bastianini had taken to the top, that’s where he stayed amid the drama, throwing down the gauntlet on Day 1. Miller made his late lunge for glory to slot into second, forcing Marc Marquez to settle for third. Martin ends the session in fourth, and the #89 was just ahead of Binder, who sneaked inside the top five in the closing minutes.
Sixth was a big statement from Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) after a very tough start to the season, with the Italian edging out Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) by just 0.002. The number 12 was also quick in Free Practice too, second behind MM93.
Reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) was outside a provisional place in Q2 until the very final few minutes, moving up to P7 in real time but that becoming P8 once the clock ran out. Then comes another headline-making duo: Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) and teammate Alex Rins complete the top ten on the Algarve, both straight through to Q2. Not since 2022 have the Iwata marque had both riders straight through. It was a late one too, bumping out rookie sensation Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3), Alex Marquez and Espargaro as they now head for Q1 on Saturday morning.
2024 Portuguese MotoGP—Friday
| 1 |
Enea Bastianini |
(Ducati Lenovo Team) |
1:38.057 |
| 2 |
Jack Miller |
(Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) |
+0.118 |
| 3 |
Marc Marquez |
(Gresini Racing MotoGP™) |
+0.153 |
| 4 |
Jorge Martin |
(Prima Pramac Racing) |
+0.231 |
| 5 |
Brad Binder |
(Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) |
+0.330 |
| 6 |
Marco Bezzecchi |
(Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) |
+0.352 |
| 7 |
Maverick Viñales |
(Aprilia Racing) |
+0.354 |
| 8 |
Francesco Bagnaia |
(Ducati Lenovo Team) |
+0.484 |
| 9 |
Fabio Quartararo |
(Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) |
+0.495 |
| 10 |
Alex Rins |
(Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) |
+0.503 |
Friday Moto2
In a fast and furious session, Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp) ended Practice 1 on top as he picked up where he left off in Qatar, setting a stunning 1:42.362 to edge out out Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) by just 0.013. Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing Team) was only a further 0.170 behind as it got tight at the top in the Grande Premio Tissot de Portugal.
Lopez just pipped Canet for the Friday honors in Moto2.
Manuel Gonzalez (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) was fourth after topping the day’s opening Free Practice session, ahead of OnlyFans American Racing Team’s Marcos Ramirez. New Ducati signing Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) took P6 ahead of Jake Dixon (CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team). 2023 runner up Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team), Albert Arenas (QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) and Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Celestino Vietti rounding outside the top 10.
2024 Portuguese Moto2—Friday
| 1 |
Alonso Lopez |
(Beta Tools Speedup) |
1:42.362 |
| 2 |
Aron Canet |
(Fantic Racing) |
+0.013 |
| 3 |
Joe Roberts |
(OnlyFans American Racing Team) |
+0.183 |
| 4 |
Manuel Gonzalez |
(QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) |
+0.197 |
| 5 |
Jake Dixon |
(CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) |
+0.281 |
| 6 |
Fermin Aldeguer |
(Beta Tools SpeedUp) |
+0.490 |
| 7 |
Jake Dixon |
(CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team) |
+0.497 |
| 8 |
Tony Arbolino |
(Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) |
+0.542 |
| 9 |
Albert Arenas |
(QJMOTOR Gresini Moto2™) |
+0.559 |
| 10 |
Celestino Vietti |
(Red Bull KTM Ajo) |
+0.646 |
Friday Moto3
After a lack of running in Free Practice due to track conditions, Moto3™ was back on track for a frantic 35-minute session in the afternoon, and with one protagonist for much of it. Winner of the Qatar GP and current Championship leader, David Alonso (CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team) was in the serious groove, at times over a second clear, to take top honours. By the end of play though, BOE Motorsports’ Joel Kelso set a remarkable 1:47.239 without a tow, cutting Alonso’s gap down to just 0.037. Matteo Bertelle (Rivacold Snipers Team) rounded out the top three, but it’s six tenths back to the Italian before the timesheets tighten up.
David Alonso bettered Australian Kelso in Moto3.
Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) finished the day in fourth ahead of CIP Green Power’s Riccardo Rossi, Filippo Farioli (SIC58 Squadra Corse) and Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing) in seventh. MLav Racing’s Scott Ogden was eighth in Practice 1, edging out Qatar podium finisher Daniel Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) and Stefano Nepa (LEVELUP – MTA) – rounding out the top 10.
2024 Portuguese Moto3—Friday
| 1 |
David Alonso |
(CFmoto Gaviota Aspar Team) |
1:47.202 |
| 2 |
Joel Kelso |
(BOE Motorsports) |
+0.037 |
| 3 |
Matteo Bertelle |
(Rivacold Snipers Team) |
+0.679 |
| 4 |
Jose Antonio Rueda |
(Red Bull KTM Ajo) |
+0.795 |
| 5 |
Riccardo Rossi |
(CIP Green Power) |
+0.837 |
| 6 |
Filippo Farioli |
(SIC58 Squadra Corse) |
+1.059 |
| 7 |
Angel Piqueras |
(Leopard Racing) |
+1.125 |
| 8 |
Scott Ogden |
(MLav Racing) |
+1.145 |
| 9 |
Daniel Holgado |
(Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) |
+1.223 |
| 10 |
Stefano Nepa |
(LEVELUP – MTA) |
+1.308 |
Friday MotoE
Eric Granado (LCR E-Team) will start the first races of the 2024 FIM Enel MotoE™ World Championship season from pole position after storming back to the top in qualifying at the Grande Premio Tissot de Portugal. The Brazilian showed his hand to deny Nicholas Spinelli (Tech3 E-Racing) by just 0.067, with reigning Champion Mattia Casadei (LCR E-Team) forced to settle for third on the grid for the first two races of 2024.
Some other big names have a little more work to do, setting up a Saturday to remember at Round 1. 2023 MotoE™ runner-up Jordi Torres (Openbank Aspar Team) starts from seventh, and after some issues on Friday, Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE™) gets ready for his assault on the crown from 11th.
In Q1, the Italian was just edged out as Miquel Pons (Axxis-MSI) and the returning Lukas Tulovic (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) moved through in a tight field. However, once Q2 got underway it was all change again, and it went to the wire. Both Spinelli and Casadei looked to be challenging Granado, but the final sector saw it fade away and the Brazilian takes that coveted first pole of the season.
A strong showing from Hector Garzo (Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE™) puts him at the head of the second row, and it was tight as he slots in ahead of Alessandro Zaccone (Tech3 E-Racing) by just 0.012. Rookie Oscar Gutierrez (Axxis-MSI), who did two rounds last season but two rounds only, impressed to complete the top six.
Torres takes P7 ahead of Tulovic, who is racing on the Ducati V21L for the first time, with Kevin Zannoni completing an Openbank Aspar Team sandwich around Tulovic on Row 3. Aiming to immediately join that party if not even further forward once the lights go out, Ferrari sees lights out from P11.
2024 Portuguese MotoE—Friday
| 1 |
Eric Granado |
(LCR E-Team) |
1:46.470 |
| 2 |
Nicholas Spinelli |
(Tech3 E-Racing) |
+0.067 |
| 3 |
Mattia Casadei |
(LCR E-Team) |
+0.116 |
| 4 |
Hector Garzo |
(Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE) |
+0.293 |
| 5 |
Alessandro Zaccone |
(Tech3 E-Racing) |
+0.305 |
| 6 |
Oscar Gutierrez |
(Axxis-MSI) |
+0.320 |
| 7 |
Jordi Torres |
(Openbank Aspar Team) |
+0.563 |
| 8 |
Lukas Tulovic |
(Dynavolt Intact GP MotoE) |
+0.739 |
| 9 |
Kevin Zannoni |
(Openbank Aspar Team) |
+0.937 |
| 10 |
Miquel Pons |
(Axxis-MSI) |
+0.959 |
For more MotoGP news and results, click here
