JAKARTA - The 2022 MotoGP race is entering its fifth series. The Portuguese MotoGP, April 22-24, opened the series in Europe.
This is the second time that the Algarve Circuit, Portimao, Portugal, has started a MotoGP tour in mainland Europe. In addition, this is also the 17th time for Portugal to host a Grand Prix.
The first race on Portuguese soil was held in 2000 in Estoril, while the first two Portuguese GPs actually took place in Spain, namely in Jarama (1987) and Jerez (1988).
After an 11-year absence, the Portuguese GP returned to the MotoGP calendar in 2000 at Estoril, which regularly raced every year until 2012.
Meanwhile, the Algarve Circuit for the fourth time held a Grand Prix. In 2020, the Algarve becomes the 72nd circuit to host the premier class Grand Prix, and the 29th track to host MotoGP racing since the class was introduced in 2002.
KTM, Yamaha and Ducati have been the most successful manufacturers in Portimao having already secured one win there each.
Miguel Oliveira won the 2020 Portuguese GP, Fabio Quartararo at the 2021 Portuguese GP, and Francesco Bagnaia at the 2021 Algarve GP. The three riders won the race from pole position.
Meanwhile, Suzuki's best result in Portimao was Joan Mir's second place finish at the 2021 Algarve GP, which was the driver's last podium to date.
Honda achieved its best result in fourth place through the appearance of Alex Marquez, also at the Algarve GP last year.
Six different riders have enjoyed celebrations on the Portimao podium namely Francesco Bagnaia (2), Jack Miller (2), Joan Mir (2), Fabio Quartararo (1), Miguel Oliveira (1) and Franco Morbidelli (1).
Gresini Racing team racer, Enea Bastianini headed to Portugal, holding the status of the leader of the standings with 61 points.
"Portimao is a beautiful track, very technical, with a lot of elevation differences… a very pleasant track in general," Bastianini was quoted as saying on the team's official website.
"We'll get there in a really good mood after the weekend in Austin, we were competitive from the start and the win definitely made it perfect."
"We have to stay focused and work, as we have done, and have fun, that's the most important thing."
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