WorldSSP Portimão 2026: schedule and challenges for the GMT94 riders

From 27 to 29 March 2026, GMT94 Yamaha will compete in the second round of the World Supersport Championship at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal.

This round also marks the start of the WorldWCR season, with Lucie Boudesseul taking to the track under the GMT94 banner.

Following the opening round in Australia, the team is currently joint 4th in the WorldSSP team standings with 25 points.

Introduction to the Portimão circuit (Portugal)

4.592 km length, the Portimão circuit features 15 corners (9 right-handers and 6 left-handers). Nicknamed ‘the rollercoaster’, it is renowned for its impressive elevation changes, compression corners and blind corners.

It is a spectacular, technical circuit, much loved by riders, which demands commitment, precision and confidence.

Overview for the team and riders ahead of this second round of the 2026 WorldSSP season

Portimão remains a special circuit in the team’s history, particularly in Endurance racing, where they secured a victory in 2016 with a margin of 0.081 seconds over the runner-up, setting a new record for the smallest gap between first and second place after a 12-hour race!

In WorldSSP, the situation remains challenging. The championship has evolved with bikes featuring varied designs and engine capacities, making the management of the balance of performance (BOP) tricky, especially for riders competing on Yamaha bikes. This weekend in Portugal, several riders, including Lucas Mahias, look capable of challenging for victory, promising a particularly closely fought race.

The tests carried out two weeks ago also revealed promising potential for the GMT94 riders.

Having already performed well at Portimão in the past, Lucas Mahias heads into this weekend with confidence. The French rider is particularly fond of this circuit, where he has previously secured a victory. The work done on the set-up and race pace suggests good prospects for scoring valuable points.

Roberto Garcia is also returning to a circuit he knows well and where he won one of his first Moto2 races. Motivated after the practice sessions, his aim is to close the gap on the leading group on a very demanding track that suits his strengths well.

WorldWCR: Lucie Boudesseul kicks off her 2026 season

This round marks the start of the Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship, which comprises just six rounds this season.

Following a remarkable 2025 season, in which she secured two podium finishes – making her the first Frenchwoman to reach the podium in a World Speed Championship – and was named Rookie of the Year, Lucie Boudesseul is ready to take on this new challenge.

A technica and demanding circuit, Portimão requires experience to be fully exploited. Lucie, who is discovering this track for the first time, approaches the weekend with a clear head and determination.

She aims to continue learning on this complex track whilst targeting a top-five finish, but always with the podium in her sights.

In a short championship, every race counts. The priority will therefore also be to score points and avoid any mistakes.

WorldSBK weekend schedule in Portugal (France time)

We are in for a busy race weekend, with a total of four categories taking part. In addition to Superbike and Supersport, this marks the opening round of the FIM World Sportbike Championship (WorldSPB) and the FIM Women’s World Circuit Racing Championship (WorldWCR).

Friday, 27 March

• 10:00 – 10:25 WorldWCR – FP
• 10:40 – 11:05 WorldSPB – FP
• 11:20 – 12:05 WorldSBK – FP1
• 12:20 – 13:00 WorldSSP – FP
• 14:30 – 14:55 WorldWCR – Superpole
• 15:10 – 15:35 WorldSPB – Superpole
• 16:00 – 16:45 WorldSBK – FP2
• 17:00 – 17:40 WorldSSP – Superpole

Saturday, 28 March

• 10:00 – 10:10 WorldWCR – WUP 1
• 10:20 – 10:30 WorldSPB – WUP 1
• 10:40 – 11:00 WorldSBK – FP3
• 11:10 – 11:20 WorldSSP – WUP 1
• 12:15 – 12:30 WorldSBK – Superpole
• 13:00 WorldWCR – Race 1
• 14:00 WorldSPB – Race 1
• 15:00 WorldSSP – Race 1
• 16:30 WorldSBK – Race 1

Sunday, 29 March

• 10:55 – 11:05 WorldWCR – WUP 2
• 11:15 – 11:25 WorldSBK – WUP
• 11:35 – 11:45 WorldSPB – WUP 2
• 11:55 – 12:05 WorldSSP – WUP 2
• 13:10 WorldSBK – Superpole Race
• 14:00 WorldWCR – Race 2
• 15:00 WorldSPB – Race 2
• 16:00 WorldSSP – Race 2
• 17:30 WorldSBK – Race 2

Where to follow the races ?

You can watch all the races on Eurosport 1 and Eurosport 2, via the Eurosport Player, or on the WSBK Videopass. And Canal+ now broadcasts WorldWCR.

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The whole team wishes you a fantastic race weekend and thanks you for your support !