The Portiamo track is therefore no longer an unknown land for certain MotoGP riders who will experience the finale of this astonishing season in this Portuguese country. They did laps of this hilly track which their WSBK counterparts have already been enjoying for several years. It was precisely on the handlebars of a machine derived from the series that they completed a day of reconnaissance. This was not the case for Aprilia riders who, due to adjustments to the regulations made for manufacturers without track records, were able to use their standard RS-GP. And apparently, with a prototype, the track revealed some safety talking points…
Everyone who went to cut their teeth on the hitherto unknown Portimao circuit came back delighted and impressed by a route that was both physically and mentally demanding. The downside of this concert of satisfactions nevertheless came from the pilots Aprilia who, unlike the others, were able to ride with their RS-GP.
Aleix Espargaró et Bradley Smith were a bit critical of the issue of security: “ I tested a road machine in Portimao a few months ago, but it's completely different with the MotoGP machine ", declared the eldest I will espargaro. " The new asphalt makes things a little easier. It's not perfect. I must say that the asphalt is no longer in ideal condition. But it's better than in the past », develops the pilot Aprilia.
« It's a very fun track. It's very difficult. It's one of the most difficult courses I've done with MotoGP. You have to be very focused to be fast. It is very physically demanding ", said the Spaniard, who nevertheless covers countless kilometers on his racing bike in his free time and is therefore one of the fittest riders in the paddock.
« It's not an easy journey. The last corner is the only place I consider dangerous ", said Asparagus. " The last turn is very fast. Before you shift, you shift from fourth to fifth gear. So you are driving at very high speed and the wall and the left stand are very close. This point is limit. But the rest of the route is a lot of fun ».
Miguel Oliveira does not understand these criticisms
He finishes : " there are already some dents. The last bend is very bumpy. I'm not too happy when I realize the track has been repaved. I'm also worried because Formula 1 is still there. They usually destroy the asphalt because they have so much downforce. We will see ».
His teammate Bradley Smith saw another concern: “ in some places I would like a small clearance area because the grass is right there. In some places you are very fast and very close on the white line ».
So many remarks that the one who will be the local for the stage does not understand, Miguel Oliveira : " the course is completely different from what it was before. The number of bumps has been significantly reduced. The grip was very good, given that the asphalt is very new. They did a good job ».
« As far as security goes, I don't see any issues. “, declared the Portuguese with astonishment at the words of his colleagues. “ There is no reason to worry. The members of the security commission were there from Loris Capirossi to Franco Uncini via Carmelo Ezpeleta. I don't see any reason to worry about security. Clearance areas are very large ". See you on November 22 to judge!
