The Algarve is preparing for the return of one of the biggest sporting events held in the region: the MotoGP Portuguese Grand Prix.
Promising to attract large crowds of motorsports fans, the event will take place at the Algarve International Circuit (AIA) in Portimão between Friday and Sunday (November 7 and 9).
For those who love the sport, the Portuguese Grand Prix provides a unique opportunity to see the world’s best riders up close.
The most disappointing news for fans is that Marc Márquez (Ducati Lenovo), who has already secured this season’s MotoGP title, won’t be competing due to injury and will be replaced by Nicolò Bulega, fresh from finishing runner-up in World Superbike. However, Marc’s brother Alex Márquez (BK8 Gresini), who has already secured second place in the overall standings, will be representing the family in the Algarve.
With the title fight and second place settled, attention turns to third place overall – and it promises to be a thriller. Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia (Ducati), Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia) and Pedro Acosta (KTM) are separated by barely 30 points. While Bezzecchi holds the advantage, Bagnaia a past winner in the Algarve.
Other names to watch out for include Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha), currently ninth in the standings but a two-time winner in the Algarve, and Miguel Oliveira (Prima Pramac Yamaha), the Portuguese rider sits 20th overall and is preparing for his last MotoGP appearance in Portimão before switching over to World Superbike in 2026. Oliveira pulled off a stunning victory in the Portuguese Grand Prix in 2020 and will be looking to end his MotoGP stint in Portugal with a good performance.
Those looking to show their support to Miguel Oliveira can attend a special free Fan Meeting, due to take place on Thursday, November 6 at 2.20pm, near Portimão’s riverside Lota building.
The event will feature a meet and greet session with Oliveira, where fans can ask for autographs and selfies and check out a mini exhibition of cars and motorbikes. The racetrack and event partners will also be handing out exclusive gifts, while the Portimão council will run a raffle for 30 weekend passes to the Portuguese Grand Prix.
One of the highlights will be a bike parade led by Oliveira himself, who’ll ride through the riverside area from the Lota to Praça Manuel Teixeira Gomes (Casa Inglesa).
For those heading to the Grand Prix itself, organisers are again offering free parking and shuttle services in partnership with the municipalities of Portimão and Lagos.
Ticket holders can park for free at designated areas in Estrada da Rocha (Portimão parish) and Rua Calçada da Fonte (Figueira, Mexilhoeira Grande), and hop on regular shuttles to and from the circuit. A third free car park offering a shuttle service in Lagos is due to be announced soon.
Morning transport will run non-stop between 8am and noon, with return services from 4pm to 6.30pm.
Ticket prices begin at €60 for Sunday, November 9 and €70 for the entire weekend of racing and can be purchased on the racetrack’s website.
The 2024 Portuguese Grand Prix attracted over 130,000 motorsports fans to the Algarve circuit, with Spanish rider Jorge Martín emerging the victor.
