Author: Alexandre Fernandes

CNV III at Estoril – First National Champions of 2026 and Posthumous Tributes

On the morning of Sunday, September 6th, the Estoril Circuit hosted warm-up sessions for all racing classes—CNV Junior, Naked Bike, Moto4, SSP300, Sportbike, Superbikes, SSP, and Copa Motoval—under mild, windless conditions. These sessions preceded the day’s main sporting program, which featured the second races of the weekend.

As no further qualifying sessions were held, the starting grids for this second day of CNV III at Estoril remained unchanged from the previous day’s lineups.

The day was highlighted by the crowning of the season’s first National Champions. Frédèric Bottoglieri repeated his victory in the Naked Bike 2 class, thereby securing the title. In the SPB category, Tiago “Rafa” João also clinched the 2026 National SPB Championship title, having achieved a double victory over the weekend. Martim Jesus, following an excellent performance, was also crowned the 2026 National SSP Champion.

A minute of silence was observed to honor the recent passing of two members of the Motor Clube do Estoril’s “Laranjinhas” (track marshals)—Paulo Henriques and Pedro Laginha. These recently deceased marshals had contributed for years to great races and memorable moments in motorsport at the Estoril Circuit and are deeply missed by all. We extend our heartfelt condolences to them and their families, and bid them a final farewell.

Minute of silence – Photo: André Kezman Ferreira

 

CNV JUNIOR

Tiago Tomé scores a double win in PREMOTO4 / Simão Viegas dominates the JUNIOR class

Based on Saturday’s qualifying results, Tiago Tomé (PREMOTO4) once again lined up his BEON 150 in pole position. Following yesterday’s commanding and undisputed victory, Tomé started the race with his sights set on a “double win” in his return to Estoril. Lining up alongside him once again were Simão Viegas and Carolina Azevedo; both were competing in the CNV JUNIOR class but riding the agile MIR 150s.

The 10-lap race got off to a clean start. Tiago Tomé, racing solo in the PREMOTO4 category, immediately took charge, opening up a lead of over nine seconds on the rest of the field during the very first lap. In the JUNIOR category, Simão Viegas pulled ahead to take the lead—running second overall—while Carolina Azevedo and Frederico Morais battled for the remaining podium spots in the JUNIOR class.

Also noteworthy was the presence of female riders Ana Martins, Lara Morais, and Margarida Venâncio, who added a special touch to the JUNIOR category, riding consistently between 5th and 7th place.

At the finish line, Tiago Tomé secured a dominant victory in PREMOTO4, marking the first “double win” of the CNV III weekend. In the JUNIOR category, Simão Viegas also claimed a commanding and convincing victory. Carolina Azevedo repeated her result from the previous day, taking the middle step of the podium. The battle for third place in the JUNIOR class was a close contest between Frederico Morais and Ana Martins, with the advantage going to the Fabio Racing Team rider; young Morais secured the position ahead of Ana Martins to finish third in the class.

 

CNV NAKED BIKE

Duarte Amaral leads unchallenged from green flag to checkered flag. / Frédèric Bottoglieri is the 2026 NB2 National Champion.

Frédèric Bottoglieri – National Champion NB2 2026 – Photo: André Kezman Ferreira

In the Naked Bike category, Duarte Amaral (NB1)—who was beaten on the final lap yesterday by Luís Franco (NB1)—once again lined up his BMW S1000R at the front of the grid, having set the fastest time (1:47.482s) in yesterday’s qualifying. Beside him was yesterday’s winner, Luís Franco, also on a BMW S1000R. Joining them on the front row was Rodrigo Amaral (NB1) on his Honda Hornet 1000.

In the NB2 class, Frédèric Bottoglieri—who won the class yesterday while finishing 4th overall—returned to his original grid spot (7th) for another lively battle against the “1000cc” riders. Augusto Machado (NB2) and Anselmo Vilardebó (NB2), who had taken 2nd and 3rd place on the podium yesterday, lined up again in 9th (Machado) and 11th (Vilardebó) positions on the grid.

The race consisted of another scheduled 10 laps at Estoril, with Duarte Amaral (NB1) “launching like a bullet” to take the lead at Turn 1, with Ricardo Almeida (NB1), António Maximiano (NB1), and Luís Franco (NB1) in pursuit. In the NB2 class, Bottoglieri secured 5th place overall, leading his class.

With precise and consistent driving, Duarte Amaral quickly pulled away in P1, establishing a gap of over three seconds between himself and Ricardo Almeida by the end of the second lap. Although unable to keep pace with the leader, Almeida managed to open a slight gap over Maximiano. The fiercest battle was unfolding among Frédèric Bottoglieri (NB2), António Maximiano (NB1), Luís Franco (NB1), and Rodrigo Amaral (NB1). Meanwhile, one had to look as far back as 10th and 11th place overall to find the second and third-placed drivers in the NB2 class: Augusto Machado and Anselmo Vilardebó.

At the halfway mark, Amaral was showing no mercy to the field, leading unchallenged with a gap of over six seconds. Almeida and Franco broke away from the rest of the pack, engaging in a head-to-head duel for the podium and NB1 class honors. Bottoglieri consolidated fourth place overall, facing no opposition from his NB2 rivals. António Maximiano, however, lost ground, slipping to seventh in the standings as Nuno Farias and Rodrigo Amaral pulled away.

Duarte Amaral maintained an uncontested lead to the finish, redeeming his performance from the previous day with a commanding victory—taking the win both overall and in the NB1 class. Luís Franco, meanwhile, mastered the inside line of the Parabolica corner on the eighth lap to overtake Ricardo Almeida, securing second place overall and in the class for the remainder of the race. Ricardo Almeida rounded out the podium in both the overall standings and his class.

Bottoglieri secured a repeat victory in the NB2 category, finishing 4th overall and clinching the Naked Bike 2 National Championship title today. Meanwhile, Augusto Machado and Anselmo Vilardebó joined the friendly French Triumph 765RS rider on the podium, finishing 9th and 11th overall, respectively.

António Moreira, the sole entrant in the NB3 class, won his category and finished last overall.

 

MOTO4 / SSP300 / SPORTBIKE

Double win and National Championship title for Tiago “Rafa” João in Sportbike / Alexandre Cabá secures another double victory in Moto4 / Lourenço Vicente comes out on top in SSP300

Tiago “Rafa” João – National Champion SPB 2026 – Photo: André Kezman Ferreira

The field comprised 13 riders across the Moto4, SSP300, and Sportbike classes. Tiago João (Sportbike)—yesterday’s clear winner—returned to the top spot by placing his Aprilia 660 on pole position. Beside him was Alexandre Cabá (Moto4), who clocked the second-fastest overall time in qualifying with his Honda 250. Rounding out the front row was Tomás Carneiro (Moto4), once again. In the SSP300 class, yesterday’s winner Vasco Camoesas secured the fifth-fastest time on the grid.

With 14 laps scheduled at Estoril, Tiago João (Sportbike) once again gave his rivals no chance to take the lead at the start. He made a powerful launch from pole, immediately pulling away toward the finish line. At a slightly more measured pace, Cabá, Carneiro, and Ramirez managed the gaps between them while battling for the Moto4 podium. Meanwhile, in the SSP300 class, Vasco Camoesas and Lourenço Vicente were locked in a tight, intense duel, fighting for every meter of the Estoril tarmac.

At the halfway point—five of the ten scheduled laps—Tiago João (SPB) was maintaining a lead of approximately five seconds over the pack; for the young Aprilia 660 rider, it looked like a walk in the park. Alexandre Cabá (MOTO4) was dictating the pace and managing the gap to Tiago João while keeping his pursuers at bay, having left Tomás Carneiro (MOTO4) more than ten seconds behind; Carneiro, in turn, was pulling a similar gap on Abel Ramirez (MOTO4). Barring any unforeseen incidents, the “natural order” of the SPB and MOTO4 classes seemed firmly established.

However, still at the halfway mark, Ramirez found himself locked in a battle with Camoesas and Vicente. Beyond fighting each other for the SSP300 lead, they were also making their intentions clear regarding the fourth overall position. A lap later, Henrique Vicente (SSP300) joined this trio. The stage was set for an exciting finish: Ramirez was fighting for the overall position while contending with the top three SSP300 riders, who were battling for both the category podium and the overall standings.

With two laps to go, Vasco Camoesas (SSP300) executed a late-braking maneuver into Turn 1 to overtake Ramirez (MOTO4). He claimed fourth place overall—leading his category—and left the young MOTO4 rider sandwiched between himself and his SPB rivals, Carneiro and Vicente.

Unsurprisingly, Tiago João led from start to finish to secure another double win in CNV III, taking the overall victory and being crowned the 2026 National Champion in the SPB class. Carlota Carochinho finished 2nd in the category, placing 10th overall.

Meanwhile, Alexandre Cabá achieved a double win in the MOTO4 class, finishing 2nd overall. Behind him came Tomás Carneiro, 2nd in the class and 3rd overall. In the SSP300 class, Camoesas crossed the finish line first; however, a track limits penalty on the final lap caused the VC#19 Racing Team rider to drop one position in both the overall standings and the category. Victory in the SSP300 class thus went to Lourenço Vicente, who was joined on the podium by Camoesas and Henrique Vicente.

By category:

SPB – Tiago João (1st overall); Carlota Carochinho (10th overall)

MOTO 4 – Alexandre Cabá (2nd overall); Tomás Carneiro (3rd overall); Abel Ramirez (4th overall)

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

 

SUPERBIKE / SUPERSPORT / MOTOVAL CUP

Ricardo Lopes scores another double win in SBK / Martim Jesus – Another National Champion in SSP / Dany Soares unchallenged in CDM2.

Martim Jesus – National Champion SSP 2026 – Photo: André Kezman Ferreira

In the Superbike / Supersport / Motoval Cup field, Ricardo Lopes (SBK) once again took pole position, having set the fastest time—1:42.835—during yesterday’s qualifying sessions. Alongside him was the fastest SSP rider, Martim Jesus, with Dany Soares (CDM2) rounding out the front row. Raúl Felgueiras, the fastest in the CDM1 class, posted the fifth-fastest time, securing the same starting position for today’s race.

This was the final race of the CNV III program, featuring a 14-lap contest on the Estoril circuit. Ricardo Lopes (SBK) made a perfect start, getting the better of Dany Soares (CDM2) under braking for Turn 1. Luís Ferreira (SBK) and Martim Jesus (SSP) battled for third place overall, while Isaac Rosa, Celestin Masy, and Daniel Coelho rode in a close group, watching the duel between Ferreira and Jesus unfold ahead of them.

Gradually and at his own pace, Ricardo Lopes (SBK) asserted his dominance on his Honda 1000; by the halfway point, he had already built a 7-second lead and remained firmly in control of the race. Dany Soares (CDM2) continued to lead the CDM2 class—running second overall—while managing a 2-second gap over Martim Jesus (SSP) and Luís Ferreira (SBK).

The gaps remained stable until the end, with Lopes crossing the finish line as the overall and SBK winner. In the same category, Luís Ferreira took second place (fourth overall), while Daniel Coelho rounded out the Superbike podium, finishing fifth overall.

Dany Soares rode a steady race to win the CDM2 class and finish second overall. He took the top spot on the podium alongside Raúl Felgueiras (sixth overall) and Rui Palma (ninth overall).

In the always-exciting SSP class, victory went to Martim Jesus (third overall); the Honda 600 rider celebrated securing the 2026 National Championship, with Isaac Rosa (seventh overall) and Celestin Masy (eighth overall) taking second and third place on the podium, respectively.

 

Circuito Estoril

Estoril Kicks Off Second Half of Season with CNV Round 3

With temperatures exceeding 38°C and the summer break over, the Estoril circuit hosts the start of the second phase of the National Speed ​​Championship (CNV) season this first weekend of September. Saturday morning is dedicated entirely to timed practice sessions, featuring the CNV Junior, Naked Bike, Moto4, SSP300, Sportbike, Superbike, SSP, and Copa Motoval grids.

Tiago Tomé (Sportbike) / Photo: Pedro Ribeiro

 

CNV JUNIOR

Tiago Tomé Dominates CNV JUNIOR

Following the two qualifying sessions for the young CNV JUNIOR riders, Tiago Tomé—the only PREMOTO4 rider—secured pole position with a time of 2:00.029s, leaving his rivals more than 10 seconds behind. Joining him on the front row of the grid were Simão Viegas and Carolina Azevedo.

The race got off to a clean start for the scheduled 10 laps of the Estoril circuit, with Tiago Tomé immediately asserting his dominance by taking the lead, leaving Simão Viegas and Carolina Azevedo to battle for the remaining podium spots. The race was uneventful regarding the lead, as Tiago Tomé had already built a 15-second advantage after just two laps. Meanwhile, Simão Viegas and Carolina Azevedo fought for the other podium positions. The second lap also saw Frederico Morais retire from the race.

Unsurprisingly, Tiago Tomé took the top spot on the podium at the finish line. Simão Viegas claimed second place, relegating Carolina Azevedo to third overall.

 

NAKED BIKE TROPHY

Luís Franco snatches NB1 victory by a mere 0.236s. / Frédèric Bottoglieri dominates the NB2 class.

Among the Naked Bike riders, it was Duarte Amaral (NB1) who signaled his intentions for the weekend by clocking a 1:47.482s lap, relegating Luís Franco (NB1) to the middle spot on the front row by just 0.550s. Rodrigo Amaral (NB1) joined the Amaral-Franco duo on the front row, trailing by another 0.775s. In the NB2 class, the previously unbeaten Frédèric Bottoglieri was the fastest, though he started 7th on the grid, with Augusto Machado in 9th and Anselmo Vilardebó in 11th. Also noteworthy was the presence of António Moreira, competing solo in the NB3 class.

The race at Estoril was scheduled for 10 laps, with Duarte Amaral (NB1) asserting his dominance under braking for Turn 1. Hot on his heels were Ricardo Almeida (NB1) and Rodrigo Amaral; the three engaged in a battle for the lead, while Luís Franco lost ground at the start, dropping to 5th overall. Frédèric Bottoglieri, the pacesetter in NB2, was running in 4th.

Four laps in, Duarte Amaral (NB1) continued to lead, with Ricardo Almeida (NB1) challenging him directly, while Rodrigo Amaral (NB1) fell back to begin a duel with Luís Franco (NB1), who was making a strong recovery. Two laps later, Franco overtook Amaral; clearly losing pace, Amaral dropped to 5th, also being passed by Bottoglieri (NB2).

With three laps remaining, Luís Franco (NB1) was lapping at a blistering pace, trailing race leader Duarte Amaral (NB1) by just 0.185 seconds. Ricardo Almeida (NB1) held a solid third place overall, while Bottoglieri (NB2) continued to run in fourth—a position he would maintain until the finish.

Driving dominantly, Luís Franco took the lead as the final lap began and went on to claim victory at the checkered flag, beating Duarte Amaral by a mere 0.236 seconds. Ricardo Almeida secured third place overall. Meanwhile, the affable French driver Frédèric Bottoglieri was the top performer in the NB2 class, finishing fourth.

By class, the NB1 results were Luís Franco (1st), Duarte Amaral (2nd), and Ricardo Almeida (3rd). In the NB2 class, the order was Frédèric Bottoglieri (4th), Augusto Machado (9th), and Anselmo Vilardebó (10th). António Moreira finished 11th and last in the NB3 class.

 

MOTO4 / SSP300 / SPORTBIKE

Tiago Tomé claims victory in SPB / Alexandre Cabá keeps his momentum going in MOTO4 / Vasco Camoesas proves strongest in SSP300

The field consisted of 13 riders across the MOTO4, SSP300, and SPORTBIKE classes, with Tiago João (Sportbike) securing pole position by setting the fastest lap at Estoril with a time of 1:49.712. Alongside him was Alexandre Cabá, qualifying 2nd overall and leading the MOTO4 class. Tomás Carneiro (MOTO4) rounded out the front row. In the SSP300 category, Vasco Camoesas once again proved to be the strongest, qualifying 5th fastest on the grid.

The race was scheduled for 14 laps at Estoril. When the lights went out, Tiago Tomás (SPB) made a lightning-fast start, putting his Aprilia 660 in the lead before the braking zone for Turn 1. Meanwhile, Alexandre Cabá (MOTO4) was caught off guard by rivals Abel Ramirez and Tomás Carneiro, who took over 2nd and 3rd place overall. Further back, Vasco Camoesas (SSP300) positioned his Kawasaki in 5th place.

By the end of the first lap, Tiago Tomás (SPB) had already opened up a 4-second gap over the pack, leaving the battle behind him to Tomás Carneiro (MOTO4) and Cabá (MOTO4), with the latter managing to pull away from Ramirez (MOTO4).

After five laps, Tiago Tomé was comfortably leading the race, heading toward victory with a 10-second advantage. Meanwhile, Cabá and Carneiro were battling each other for the MOTO4 lead and podium spots. Camoesas (SSP300) had moved up to fourth place.

At the finish line, Tiago Tomé took a comfortable overall and SPB victory. Alexandra Cabá finished second overall and topped the MOTO4 class, while Tomás Carneiro (MOTO4) rounded out the podium. Vasco Camoesas was the top SPB rider and finished fourth overall.

Regarding the podiums by category: in SPB, Tiago Tomé (1st overall) and Carlota Carochinho (9th overall). In MOTO4, Alexandre Cabá (2nd overall), Tomás Carneiro (3rd overall), and Abel Ramirez (8th overall). In SSP300, Vasco Camoesas (4th overall), Lourenço Vicente (5th overall), and Alexandre Canarias (overall ranking).

 

SUPERBIKE / SUPERSPORT / MOTOVAL CUP

Ricardo Lopes wins in SBK / Martim Jesus dominates in SSP / Dany Soares tops the CDM2 class.

In the Superbike / Supersport / Motoval Cup field, Ricardo Lopes (SBK) set the fastest lap time of 1:42.835s, securing pole position. Alongside him was the fastest SSP rider, Martim Jesus. Dany Soares (CDM2) rounded out the front row. Raúl Felgueiras, the fastest in the CDM1 class, posted the fifth-fastest time overall.

Dany Soares (CDM2) made a perfect start, taking the lead with Luís Ferreira (SBK) and Ricardo Lopes (SBK) right on his tail. Martim Jesus (SSP) held fourth place overall, leading his category.

After two laps, Soares (CDM2) had opened up a two-second gap over his rivals, leaving Ferreira and Lopes locked in a tight battle on their Superbikes. Meanwhile, Jesus (SSP) stayed in close pursuit of the Superbike duo.

With seven laps completed, Soares’ (CDM2) lead came under threat from Ricardo Lopes (SBK), who managed to pick up the pace and close the gap to just 0.252 seconds behind Soares. Meanwhile, Martim Jesus (SSP) managed to overtake Luís Ferreira (SBK), who appeared to be losing momentum. It took just two more laps for Lopes (SBK) to assert his dominance, overtaking Soares (CDM2) and quickly opening up a lead of over three seconds on the RL Performance 58 rider. Martim Jesus (SSP), however, could not hold off a resurgent Luís Ferreira (SBK) and dropped to fourth place overall, though he continued to lead the SSP class.

Ricardo Lopes charged through the final lap to secure the overall victory and first place in the SBK class. Despite winning the CDM2 category, Dany Soares had to settle for second place overall. Luís Ferreira finished third overall—taking second in the SBK class—while Martim Jesus finished fourth and was the top rider in the SSP class.

By category: in SBK, Ricardo Lopes (1st overall), Luís Ferreira (3rd overall), and Nelson Cruz (8th overall). In SSP, Martim Jesus (4th overall), Isaac Rosa (6th overall), and Celestin Masy (7th overall). In CDM2, Dany Soares (2nd overall), Raul Felgueiras (5th overall), and Carlos Pinheiro (10th overall).

Circuito Estoril

CNV II – 2nd DAY OF COMPETITION IN ESTORIL

PHOTO: PEDRO RIBEIRO

CNV JUNIOR and PREMOTO4 – RACE 2

PREMOTO4 with Assolari taking the victory / Simão Viegas unopposed in the JUNIOR category

Sprint race with 5 laps scheduled for the Estoril circuit for the 10-rider field of CNV JUNIOR (CNVJR) and PREMOTO4 (PM4). The grid lined up with Tiago Tomé (PM4) in pole position with a time of 1:59.262s. Alongside him, sharing the front row with 1:59.814s, are Jase Dill (PM4) and Santiago Assolari with 2:00.467s. Also noteworthy is the presence of the women, Ana Martins, who lined up this morning in 7th position on the grid, followed by Carolina Azevedo, Lara Morais and Margarida Venâncio.

A clean start saw Tiago Tomé take the lead, with Jase Dill and Santiago Assolari close behind. Alex Albessard, meanwhile, was sinking in the standings, running 4th, forcing the pace after a “long lap” penalty. Among the JUNIOR riders, Simão Viegas once again asserted himself in 5th position, with Ana Martins and Frederico Morais restarting a new duel for podium places. However, Margarida Venâncio retired before the end of the first lap.

The third lap began with Alex Albessard (PREMOTO4) suffering a spectacular crash on the inside parabolic curve, without consequences for the rider, but causing a red flag. A new starting procedure and the race resumed.

Green light and another excellent start for Tiago João (PREMOTO4), with Santiago Assolari (PREMOTO4) putting up a fight, the two riders initiating a constant exchange of positions, alternating in the lead. Meanwhile, Jase Dill (PREMOTO4) tried to manage the 2-second deficit he had to the duo. Shortly after, Lara Morais (JUNIOR) was forced to retire, with Simão Viegas dominating again, followed by Margarida Venâncio and Carolina Azevedo in the top three.

An exciting race until the inside straight, at which point Tomé braked too late in an attempt to overtake Assolari. The maneuver failed, and Assolari managed to open up a few meters of distance, securing the victory. Tomé would finish second, and Jase Dill, after winning the sprint, this time only 3rd. In the JUNIOR category, there were no changes until the end, with Simão Viegas racking up victory after victory and Frederico Morais managing to beat Carolina Azevedo.

By class:

PREMOTO 4: Santiago Assolari (1st), Tiago Tomé (2nd), Jase Dill (3rd)

JUNIOR: Simão Viegas (4th), Frederico Morais (5th), Carolina Azevedo (6th)

 

NAKED BIKE TROPHY – RACE 2

Luís Franco finishes Sunday with a win in NB1 / Frédéric Bottoglieri dominates in NB2.

Second and final race of the CNV II Naked Bike Trophy at Estoril, with Luís Franco (NB1) once again starting from pole position. Alongside him are Ricardo Almeida (NB1) and Duarte Amaral (NB1). In NB2, Frédéric Bottoglieri placed his Triumph 765 in 4th position on the grid. Another exciting duel is expected between the strongest riders in NB1 and the “outsider” in NB2.

A perfect start from Bottoglieri (NB1) allowed him to immediately take P3 behind Duarte Amaral (NB1) and Ricardo Almeida (NB1). As usual, Augusto Machado, Emanuel Arrais, and Anselmo Vilarbedó (NB2) were running in 10th, 11th, and 12th positions.

On the first lap of the finish line, Ricardo Almeida powerfully overtook Amaral, leaving the latter looking back for Bottoglieri. Meanwhile, Luís Franco watched from the front row, maintaining his 4th position. Four riders were all within 0.9 seconds of each other. Lap after lap, positions changed between the Frenchman in NB2, Bottoglieri, and Luís Franco (NB1). Amaral was always hoping to get his BMW into this fight. Bottoglieri even momentarily led thanks to the excellent performance of his Triumph, which is stronger and more agile on the winding sections of the Estoril circuit, losing top speed on the long straights.

Five laps from the checkered flag, Luís Franco made a decisive attack, took the lead, and established a 1.5s advantage over the others. Almeida, Bottoglieri, and Amaral tried to maintain their pace, but the battle between them allowed the leader (Franco) to extend his lead. The interest of the race lay in this fight for the intermediate and lower podium positions.

Finish line and victory for Luís Franco overall and in the NB1 class. Bottoglieri managed to beat his NB1 class rivals. Despite the almost 20km/h difference in top speed on the straights, the skilled and likeable Frenchman finished 2nd overall and won in the NB2 class. Ricardo Almeida (NB1) took 3rd place.

By class:

NB1: Luís Franco (1st), Ricardo Almeida (3rd), Duarte Amaral (4th)

NB2: Frédéric Bottoglieri (2nd), Augusto Machado (10th), Anselmo Vilardebó (11th)

 

CNV MOTO4 / CNV SSP300 / CNV SPORTBIKE – RACE 2

Alexandre Cabá wins by 000.1s in MOTO4 / Vasco Camoesas continues his winning streak in SSP300 / Tiago João is unchallenged in SPORTBIKE

Race 2 for MOTO4, SSP300 and SPORTBIKE saw all 21 riders once again on the starting grid. Pole position for Tiago João (Sportbike). Alongside him are Fermin Gemar (MOTO4) and Aimar Franqueza (MOTO4). Alexandre Cabá, winner of the Sprint race in MOTO4, started in 5th position. Madalena Simões (Sportbike) in 7th position. Vasco Camoesas (SSP300) in 12th position. Problems for Marco Holt (MOTO4) who saw his Talent 250, in 4th position on the grid, “not start” for the warm-up lap, forcing him to head to the pit lane.

A “Tiago João-style” start immediately put the SPORTBIKE class rider in the lead. Madalena Simões (SPORTBIKE) took 2nd place overall and Alexandre Cabá (MOTO4) was third. Gonçalo Melo Santos and Tomás Carneiro (both Moto4) were “the following gentlemen.”

After 2 of the 14 laps, Tiago João already held a lead of more than 5 seconds over Madalena Simões, who was being closely followed (0.298s) by Alexandre Cabá (Moto4), who in turn had to defend against Gonçalo Melo Santos (Moto4) and Tomás Carneiro (Moto4). Meanwhile, in the SSP300 class, Camoesas was once again leading, running in 6th position, with Lourenço Vicente and Rodrigo Asensio in 8th and 9th respectively at this stage.

While Tiago João was building distance, Madalena Simões managed to hold off Cabá and Melo Santos until the 3rd lap, at which point the two Moto4 riders overtook her, with Melo Santos now leading the class. It was also at this stage that Carlota Carocinho, 3rd in the Sportbike class, moved into 7th place overall, running behind Camoesas (SSP300).

The race was settled with positions and time differences well defined at the halfway point, except for the battle between Carlota Carocinho (Sportbike), Henrique Vicente, and Rodrigo Asensio, who were fighting for 7th place overall. At the front, nothing new, with Tiago João cruising, leaving Melo Santos and Cabá in a direct battle more than 9 seconds behind.

Checkered flag for the overall victory of Tiago João (Sportbike). With constant position changes, Cabá and Melo Santos took the decision for the remaining overall places to the very end, with a photo finish giving Alexandre Cabá a 0.001s advantage. Madalena Simões finished 4th overall and 2nd in the SPORTBIKE class, with Carlota Carochinho completing the top 3 and the podium in that class. In the SSP300 class, Vasco Camoesas showed why he is the reigning champion, winning the class and finishing 6th overall. Lourenço Vicente (7th) and Henrique Vicente (8th) completed the podium in that class.

By class…

MOTO4: Alexandre Cabá (2nd), Gonçalo Melo Santos (3rd), Tomás Carneiro (5th)

SPORTBIKE: Tiago João (1st), Madalena Simões (4th), Carlota Carochinho (10th)

SSP300: Vasco Camoesas (6th), Lourenço Vicente (7th), Henrique Vicente (8th)

 

CNV SBK / CNV SSP / CDM – RACE 2

Dany Soares the strongest among the CDM2 / Carlos Couto wins in CDM1 / Luís Ferreira scores another victory in Superbikes / Frederico Guimarães adds another victory in SSP

Last race of the CNV II weekend with 14 laps for the 22 riders comprising the CNVSBK, CNV SSP and COPA DUNLOP MOTOVAL categories (divided into CDM1 and CDM2 categories).

Once again Ruben Macuá (SBK) on pole with Martim Jesus (SSP) and Luís Ferreira (SSP) alongside him. In CDM1, Carlos Couto was the strongest in the class, starting 19th on the grid. Dany Soares was 5th in CDM2. In SSP, Celestin Masy was 6th.

A strong start from Luís Ferreira (SBK) who took the lead over Dany Soares (CDM2), closely followed by Ruben Macuá (SBK). Martim Jesus secured 4th position and the lead in the SSP class. Almost immediately, Celestin Masy (CDM2) was penalized with a long lap, placing him in 6th position.

With 9 laps to go, Ruben Macuá, winner of the Sprint race, entered the pits with technical issues on his Yamaha R1, abandoning the race and the fight for the leading positions. Luís Ferreira (SBK) maintained a 2-second advantage over Dany Soares (CDM2), and Martim Jesus (SSP) moved up to 3rd position, entering a direct battle with Soares for the podium places, even managing to climb to 2nd and widening the gap to Soares. Ricardo Lopes (SBK) was 4th. Meanwhile, Celestin Masy, benefiting from Macuá’s retirement, temporarily regained 5th place, as he retired two laps later due to a crash. Solo rider Carlos Couto (CDM1) remained in 17th. With two laps to go, Martim Jesus crashed and was relegated to 9th place, missing out on a podium finish in the SSP category.

Overall victory for Luís Ferreira (SBK), with Dany Soares (CDM2) and Ricardo Lopes (SBK) in third. Also in SBK, and completing the podium, José Gafenho finished 3rd. In CDM2, joining Soares on the podium were Rui Palma and Nuno Simões. With Martim Jesus’s fall and Celestin Masy’s retirement, the main beneficiaries were Frederico Guimarães, who won in SSP, joined on the podium by Isaac Rosa and Rui Afonso. Carlos Couto managed to achieve 15th place overall, winning in CDM1.

By class:

SBK: Luís Ferreira (1st), Ricardo Lopes (3rd), José Gafenho (7th)

SSP: Frederico Guimarães (4th), Isaac Rosa (5th), Rui Afonso (8th)

CDM1: Carlos Couto (15th)

CDM2: Dany Soares (2nd), Rui Palma (5th), Raúl Felgueiras (10th)

 

Circuito Estoril