Riders Tarran Mackenzie and Zaqhwan Zaidi took part in a constructive test session at the same Portuguese circuit less than two weeks ago, using the track time to prepare for this upcoming race weekend. Mackenzie is eager to race at the Algarve track, one that he enjoys, particularly after having been denied the possibility in 2024 when he was sidelined due to injury. The goal will be to harness solutions that he and his technicians identified during the latest test sessions.

On the other side of the garage, rookie Zaidi faces a steep learning curve this season, as he will be tasked with learning many new tracks while also getting to grips with the CBR1000RR-R machine and the Pirelli tyres. Ready for what is only his second round on the world stage, the young Malaysian is keen to build on what he learned during the season-opener in Australia and the recent Portimão test.

Inaugurated in 2008 and located in southern Portugal, in the Algarve region, the AIA facility has become a regular fixture on the WorldSBK calendar and presents the riders with an exciting challenge thanks to its undulating layout. It remains to be seen whether the field will enjoy good weather this time, considering the March race date.

Tarran Mackenzie #95

“I’m looking forward to getting back to Portimão after our recent test. We only had time for limited dry laps during testing, but I felt like I had a better feeling on the bike. The weather looks more settled for the upcoming race weekend too, so that’s good and hopefully we can get on with the work plan that got interrupted at the test. I’m looking for a smoother weekend than we had in Australia; if we can keep progressing and I can feel better on the bike then we should be in a position to do well. Let’s see what the Portimão round brings, like I say I’m looking forward to it, and then we don’t have too long before Assen, so hopefully we can carry a bit of momentum forward.”

Zaqhwan Zaidi #21

“It’s time for Round 2 at Portimão - for sure I’ll be trying my best and it will be great to be back out on track so soon after the test. I had a good feeling with the bike during that test and feel it was a positive experience, so hopefully I can take another step this coming weekend. We’ll see what we can do.”

Track Information:

Country: Portugal
Name:Autódromo Internacional do Algarve
Length: 4.592 km
Pole position: right

2024 SBK RESULTS:

Race 1 - 1. Razgatlioglu (Yamaha); 2. Bautista (Ducati); 3. Petrucci (Ducati).
Superpole race – 1. Razgatlioglu (Yamaha); 2. Petrucci (Ducati); 3. Lowes (Kawasaki).
Race 2 - 1. Razgatlioglu (Yamaha); 2. Bulega (Ducati); 3. Lowes (Kawasaki).

SBK RECORDS: 

Best lap – Razgatlioglu (Yamaha) 1'39.826 (2023).
Superpole – Rea (Kawasaki) 1'39.610 (2022).

Weekend schedule (CET -1):

Friday
10.35 – 11.20 – SBK Free Practice 1
15.00 – 15.45 – SBK Free Practice 2

Saturday
9.00 – 9.20 – SBK Free Practice 3
11.00 – 11.15 – Superpole
14.00 – SBK Race 1

Sunday
9.00 – 9.10 – SBK Warm-up
11.00 – Superpole race
14.00 – SBK Race 2