Month: October 2026

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WSBK – PREVIEW – WorldSSP titles on the line at Estoril

PREVIEW: WorldSSP titles on the line at Estoril as Arenas hopes to hold off his rivals and seal 2026 on top

Source & Photo: WORLDSBK

Knives are out in Portugal as the WorldSSP Riders’ title, Teams’ title and Manufacturers’ title can each be won as early as Race 1

The FIM Supersport World Championship unpacks their bags in Portugal ahead of what will be a decisive penultimate Tissot Estoril Round. All three of the class’s titles are up for grabs at the Circuito Estoril, but it will take an upset to prevent Albert Arenas (AS BLU CRU Racing Team) from bagging the Riders’ Championship, while the Teams’ and Manufacturers’ Championship can also be decided.

ARENAS LOOKING TO SEAL THE DEAL

It’s been a rock-solid debut season for the 2020 Spanish Moto3 World Champion: 16 podiums from 20 races so far, plus just two non-DNF results off the podium, have put Arenas in a prime position to close out this 2026 season as the new WorldSSP Champion. He’s currently on a three-race streak of second-place finishes, and if he can keep that podium pace in Race 1, he’ll seal the title. A podium finish secures the title regardless of Valentin Debise’s results, while Arenas can afford to lose up to 10 points in Race 1 to be crowned Champion. Hoping to prevent that, Valentin Debise (EASTROC ZXMOTO Factory Evan Bros Racing) has his work cut out for him and will need some help from other riders to finish ahead of the #75 as well. Arenas currently holds an 86-point lead in the Riders’ title, and 75 points will remain after Race 1, meaning that if the Frenchman doesn’t outscore Arenas by at least 11 points in the opening race, the Spaniard will be crowned.  Fortunately for him, Estoril is a circuit at which the #53 has enjoyed good results in the past, including a Race 1 win here last season on a Ducati V2 with Renzi Corse and a Race 2 podium back in 2024 on a Yamaha R6 during his first stint with the Evan Bros team.

As for the Teams’ title, it’s similarly promising for Arenas’s AS BLU CRU Racing Team; if he and Aldi Mahendra can lose fewer than 29 points to the ZXMOTO riders in Race 1, the title is theirs. Lastly, in the Manufacturers’ Championship, Yamaha holds a 92-point lead with 100 points remaining, meaning Yamaha can win the title in Race 1 if they lose no more than 16 points to Ducati.

A BATTLE FOR THIRD IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP

After a strong round at Magny-Cours, Can Oncu (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) faltered early at Cremona. A Lap 5 crash from P4 spoiled his podium bid in Race 1, and a P11 in Race 2 sent him back to P4 in the title standings, eight points behind Jaume Masia (Orelac Racing VerdNatura). The gap is marginal with two rounds still remaining and he took his first podium at Estoril last season with a Race 1 P3, but Oncu will need to improve his consistency if he wants to prevent future headaches. As for Masia, the Spanish rider enjoyed a consistent round at Cremona, finishing both races inside the top eight for the first time since Aragon. He hopes to keep his forward momentum and return to the podium at Estoril. 29 points behind Oncu, Tom Booth-Amos (PTR Triumph Factory Racing) looks to be making a play to rejoin the fight for third in the Championship. The Brit bounced back from an unfortunate round at Magny-Cours with a return to the podium for the first time since his domination at Donington Park.

ALCOBA MAKING A LATE CHARGE UP THE ORDER

Jeremy Alcoba (Kawasaki WorldSSP Team) moved up to sixth in the standings after an incredible showing at Cremona: his first pole, and not just a maiden win, but a maiden double that earned him 50 out of 50 available points. He now sits just four points behind the #69, and after earning his maiden WorldSSP podium last season at Estoril, the #52 will hope to close out this season even stronger than he did in 2025, when he took podiums in the final two rounds. A Race 1 crash with Simon Jespersen (EAB Racing Team) shook up Roberto Garcia’s (GMT94 Yamaha) weekend at Cremona, and while he was able to salvage a point from Race 1 despite a back of the grid start for leaving pit lane late as his team scrambled to finish their repairs, Garcia retired from Race 2 to end the round with a single point. The rider from Seville took P4 here last season, and he could prove a dark horse to snag a podium in Portugal. Philipp Oettl (Feel Racing WorldSSP Team) returned to the top ten with a P7 in Race 2 in Italy after an unlucky round at Magny-Cours. Keep an eye on the German this weekend, as the #65 has missed the podium only twice in six races here, including a second place last season on the same Ducati V2 machinery.

FERRARI AND MAHENDRA SPAR IN THE FINAL TOP TEN SPOTS

Matteo Ferrari (WRP Racing) overtook Aldi Mahendra (AS BLU CRU Racing Team) for P9 in the standings at Cremona thanks to P6 and P9 in the weekend’s races. Expect both riders to give nothing away as they fight for P9. Ferrari rode here in 2025 unlike Mahendra, who will be competing in his first WorldSSP round here; however, the Italian’s off-pace results that weekend make it tough to pick a favourite between the pair. Behind them, Alessandro Zaccone (Ecosantagata Althea Racing Team) will hope to break into the top ten from P11, just ten points behind the Indonesian; Italian rider Filippo Farioli (VFT Racing) will look to string together more positive results after his breakout maiden podium in the class last round and has been fighting at the front with the lead Yamaha riders over the last two rounds.

ROSSI AWAITS VERDICT FROM THE MEDICAL CENTRE

After retiring from Race 2 early at Cremona, Riccardo Rossi (Cerba Yamaha Racing Team) will await the all-clear from the medical centre before he can compete at Estoril. If he’s ruled fit, he will join this weekend’s home hero wildcard rider Goncalo Capote, who will make his debut in the paddock from his full-time ride this season in the FIM Stock European Championship.

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CNV – 2026 Final Round – Day Summary

CNV – 2026 Final Round

The Campeonato Nacional de Velocidade (CNV) returns to Estoril this weekend for the final round of the 2026 season, promising plenty of excitement as the 2026 titles for the PREMOTO3, JUNIOR, NAKED BIKE 1, MOTO4, and SSP300 Superbikes categories—as well as the Dunlop Motoval Cup Trophy (CDM1, CDM2)—are still up for grabs.

It is worth recalling that during the CNV’s last visit to Estoril in September, the weekend was marked by the crowning of the season’s first National Champions. Frédéric Bottoglieri secured the Naked Bike 2 title. Tiago “Rafa” João also claimed the SPB National Championship title with a double victory. Meanwhile, Martim Jesus celebrated the SSP National Championship title following an outstanding performance. Plenty of excitement and adrenaline await speed enthusiasts this first weekend of October at Estoril.

PHOTO CREDITS: PEDRO RIBEIRO

CNV JUNIOR

Tiago Tomé dominates in PREMOTO4 / Simão Viegas celebrates CNV JUNIOR National Championship title

With the 2026 champion yet to be decided, the CNV JUNIOR series took to the Estoril Circuit track this Saturday, October 3rd, for the start of qualifying sessions for the season’s final race weekend. Simão Viegas and Carolina Azevedo lined up to battle for the title, both still in contention with a mathematical chance of being crowned national champion. Following the two qualifying sessions, the front row was composed entirely of riders from the PREMOTO4 category. Tiago Tomé secured pole position with a time of 1:59.817s, joined by Frankie Watson and Frederico Coelho. Meanwhile, Simão Viegas and Carolina Azevedo—with the title on the line—lined up in 4th and 6th positions on the grid, respectively. The afternoon’s first race saw nine riders set to complete 10 laps of the Estoril circuit, with the National Championship title at stake.

Tiago Tomé (PM4) made a flawless start, taking the lead under braking for Turn 1 with Frederico Coelho (PM4) and Frankie Watson (PM4) right on his tail. Further back, Carolina Azevedo immediately gained two positions, moving up to 4th place overall—leading the Junior class—and leaving Simão Viegas behind. After three laps, Tiago Tomé had extended his lead over the pack to more than seven seconds, while Coelho and Watson were locked in a close battle, separated by just over a second. Meanwhile, Simão Viegas managed to overtake Carolina Azevedo and open up a three-second gap. The fight for the title was intense. With three laps remaining, Tomé—unchallenged—had built a 20-second lead over the rest of the field, while Coelho and Watson continued their fierce battle for the remaining PreMoto4 podium spots. Elsewhere, Simão Viegas was fighting to hold onto 4th place overall—and the lead in the Junior class—which would secure him the title ahead of Carolina Azevedo.

The checkered flag fell, marking another undisputed victory for Tiago Tomé. Joining him on the podium were Frederico Coelho and Frankie Watson. Simão Viegas finished 4th overall, exuberantly celebrating his national championship title and the Junior class win—with Frederico Morais and Ana Martins also on the podium—following Carolina Azevedo’s unfortunate retirement on the final lap.

NAKED BIKE TROPHY

Luís Franco adds another victory to his title campaign. / Augusto Machado celebrates NB2 win.

With the NB1 Trophy standings still undecided, Duarte Amaral and Luís Franco lined up for Saturday morning’s qualifying sessions, aware that the title would only be settled tomorrow, Sunday, October 4th. Meanwhile, the already-crowned 2026 NB2 National Champion, Frédèric Bottoglieri, returned to Estoril for the season finale essentially to fulfill his racing obligations. Once qualifying concluded, the front row was occupied by NB1 riders. Pole-sitter Luís Franco held the advantage at the start, joined by Duarte Amaral and Rodrigo Amaral. Augusto Machado—taking a more measured approach—qualified 8th overall and fastest in the NB2 class. Frédèric Bottoglieri (NB2) failed to set a time and was placed 12th (last) on the grid, though he would not start the race.

A total of 12 riders across the two categories lined up for a 10-lap race. The green light signaled the start of another battle between Luís Franco, Rodrigo Amaral, and Duarte Amaral, with the latter holding the early advantage. During the opening two laps, Duarte Amaral and Luís Franco gave it their all for the lead, with an inspired Ricardo Almeida close on their heels, waiting for an opportunity. Meanwhile, Rodrigo Amaral dropped to 6th overall after his excellent start.

Further back, at the rear of the pack, Augusto Machado led the NB2 class, with Anselmo Vilardebó and Emanuel Arrais rounding out the top three. With no mathematical possibility of the title being decided today, Duarte Amaral and Luís Franco knew that every single point could prove crucial to the championship outcome; consequently, they remained fully focused. Five of the ten laps had already been completed, and Franco held a 1.4-second lead; however, Duarte Amaral never gives up, and the race promised to be a battle all the way to the finish line. Ricardo Almeida held onto third place overall, though he was already more than eight seconds behind the race leader.

Despite Duarte Amaral’s efforts, Luís Franco crossed the finish line first, extending his lead to five seconds. Amaral finished second. The championship outcome remains undecided heading into Sunday. Joining them on the podium in third place overall was Ricardo Almeida. In the NB2 class, Augusto Machado took the win—finishing eighth overall—and was joined on the podium by Anselmo Vilardebó (ninth overall) and Emanuel Arrais (tenth overall).

 

MOTO4 / SSP300 / SPORTBIKE

Alexandre Cabá: 2026 MOTO4 National Champion / Frederico Guimarães claims SPB victory / Lourenço Vicente strongest in SSP300

Alexandre Cabá arrived at Estoril for the season’s final weekend leading the MOTO4 Championship, with a strong chance of clinching the title as early as Saturday. In the SSP300 class, the title battle is between Vasco Camoesas and Lourenço Vicente; however, the final standings won’t be decided until Sunday, meaning a strong performance from both riders on Saturday could prove crucial to the final outcome. In the SPB class, the newly crowned 2026 champion, Tiago “Rafa” Tomé, did not compete at Estoril due to international commitments, leaving the fight for the season’s final victories to Carlota Carochinho, Frederico Guimarães, and Naama Rosa.

Following qualifying, Alexandre Cabá—aiming to secure the 2026 MOTO4 national title—took pole position. Lining up alongside him were Frederico Guimarães (SPB) and Tomás Carneiro (MOTO4). Vasco Camoesas, the fastest of the SSP300 riders, qualified 5th overall. A total of 21 riders, split across four categories, lined up for the 14-lap race. Cabá (MOTO4) had a disastrous start, immediately dropping to 4th place overall. Capitalizing on the error, Frederico Guimarães (SPB), Carlota Carochinho (SPB), and Abel Ramirez (MOTO4) moved into the top positions, while Vasco Camoesas (SSP300) held onto 5th place.

Charging from the back of the pack, and with four laps completed, Alexandre Cabá climbed to second place overall, leading the MOTO4 class. At the front, Frederico Guimarães (SPB) held firm. Carlota Carochinho was running in third place overall. Vasco Camoesas had dropped to sixth but maintained the lead in the SSP300 class. During the seventh lap, Cabá briefly took the lead but found himself locked in a fierce battle with Frederico Guimarães, who was putting up strong resistance.

In the final laps, Frederico Guimarães extended his lead over Cabá, holding a gap of over five seconds as they began the last lap. Guimarães was leading both the overall standings and the SPB class. In addition to trailing his rival by five seconds, Cabá incurred a “long lap” penalty for exceeding track limits, which was converted into a time penalty. He ultimately finished second overall—and first in the MOTO4 class—a result more than sufficient for Alexandre Cabá to be crowned the 2026 MOTO4 National Champion. Tomás Carneiro (MOTO4) overtook Carlota Carochinho (SPB) to finish third overall. Lourenço Vicente was the top rider in the SSP300 class, finishing fifth overall after overtaking Vasco Camoesas.

By category:

MOTO4 – Alexandre Cabá (2nd overall) / Tomás Carneiro (3rd overall) / Abel Ramirez (5th overall)

SPB – Frederico Guimarães (1st overall) / Carlota Carochinho (4th overall) /

SSP300 – Lourenço Vicente (5th overall) / Vasco Camoesas (6th overall) / Henrique Vicente (7th overall).

 

SUPERBIKE / SUPERSPORT / MOTOVAL CUP

Luís Ferreira adds another SBK victory / Gonçalo Capote dominates the SSP class / Dany Soares wins the 2026 CDM2 Trophy / Carlos Couto wins the 2026 CDM1 Trophy

Having already secured the SSP title, young Moto Clube de Loulé rider Martim Jesus arrived at Estoril to wrap up the season in a relaxed mood, yet determined to prove his mettle and aiming for the win. In the SBK class—the CNV’s premier category—the title battle between Luís Ferreira and Ricardo Lopes remains wide open, with the outcome to be decided tomorrow, Sunday, in the season’s final race. In the Dunlop Motoval Cup, the CDM1 and CDM2 category titles are set to be decided this Saturday; Carlos Couto (CDM1) needs just one result to clinch the 2026 CDM1 Trophy. Dany Soares faces the same scenario in the CDM2 class.

Qualifying concluded with Gonçalo Capote (SSP) taking pole position. Sharing the front row alongside him were two SBK riders: Luís Ferreira and Ricardo Lopes. In the CDM2 class, Dany Soares lined up in 4th place, leading his category, while his main title rival, Rui Palma, was back in 13th. Meanwhile, Carlos Couto—the CDM1 leader and title contender—qualified 20th, knowing that simply finishing the race would be enough to secure the 2026 CDM1 Trophy.

A total of 12 riders across the three categories lined up for the 14-lap race. Gonçalo Capote (SSP) made a strong start, holding the lead against Dany Soares (CDM2), who had gained two positions. Luís Ferreira (SBK) held 3rd place overall. Martim Jesus, the 2026 national SSP champion, was running in 4th place.

Four laps into the Estoril race, Capote (SSP) had opened up a 4-second gap over the pack; Dany Soares held the lead in the CDM2 class but conceded second place overall to Luís Ferreira, the fastest rider in the SBK class. Martim Jesus (SSP) maintained fourth place. Carlos Couto kept up a steady pace with the championship title in mind, moving up from 20th to 17th without taking unnecessary risks. The laps unfolded without major surprises. Gonçalo Capote (SSP) extended his lead, while Luís Ferreira (SBK) remained secure in second place. Ricardo Lopes (SBK) picked up the pace to move into third, with Martim Jesus (SSP) holding steady in fourth. Losing some ground while managing his race—and keeping his sights on the title—Dany Soares dropped to sixth overall but remained the leader in the CDM2 class. With the gaps between riders well-established, it was simply a matter of completing the scheduled 14 laps.

The checkered flag fell for Gonçalo Capote (SSP), who won the day’s final race. Luís Ferreira (SBK) finished second, and Ricardo Lopes (SBK) took third overall. However, the real celebration belonged to the winners of the 2026 Copa Dunlop Motoval Trophies: Dany Soares (CDM2) and Carlos Couto (CDM1).

By category

SBK – Luís Ferreira (2nd overall) / Ricardo Lopes (2nd overall) / José Gafenho (11th overall)

SSP – Gonçalo Capote (1st overall) / Martim Jesus (4th overall) / Gonçalo Santos (5th overall)

CDM1 – Carlos Couto (14th overall) / Gustavo Pinheiro (15th overall)

CDM2 – Dany Soares (6th overall) / Raúl Felgueiras (7th overall) / Rui Palma (8th overall)

 

Circuito Estoril