Portimão: A Homecoming for Miguel Oliveira
Portimão was a landmark event for Miguel Oliveira, who celebrated his first podium finishes in the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) while riding the #88 BMW M 1000 RR for the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team. This achievement came during his home round, with over 82,000 fans in attendance. In a remarkable display, Oliveira secured third place in all three races during the weekend, marking a significant milestone in just his second race weekend as a WorldSBK competitor.
Strong Qualifying Performance
Oliveira set the stage with a commendable fourth place in Saturday morning’s Superpole qualifying. He clocked a lap time of 1:39.068 minutes, which not only secured him a solid starting position but also placed him below the previous circuit record established by reigning champion Toprak Razgatlioglu last year on the same BMW model.
Race Highlights
In Race 1 on Saturday afternoon, Oliveira achieved his inaugural WorldSBK podium by finishing third, energising the crowd and creating an electrifying atmosphere in the grandstands. The Portuguese rider replicated this success in the short Superpole race on Sunday morning, securing another third-place finish amidst enthusiastic support. He capped off the weekend by again finishing third in Race 2, providing a fitting birthday celebration for team principal Shaun Muir, who turned 60 on race day.
Teammate’s Progress
Danilo Petrucci, Oliveira’s Italian teammate and also new to the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team this season, qualified ninth and showed improvement throughout the weekend. He concluded Race 1 in tenth position and finished seventh in the final race on Sunday afternoon after placing twelfth in the Superpole race.
Upcoming Challenges
The next round of the WorldSBK season will take place at Assen in the Netherlands from April 17 to 19, 2026. This event presents both riders with fresh challenges as they look to build on their momentum from Portimão.
Reactions from the Team
Sven Blusch, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport: “The atmosphere here has been overwhelming. Miguel’s performance has been exceptional and reflects our hard work over the winter. Achieving podiums so quickly is something special.”
Christian Gonschor, Technical Director BMW Motorrad Motorsport: “This weekend has highlighted the potential of our bike and our riders. We have made significant progress and aim to keep moving forward.”
Shaun Muir, Team Principal: “This has been a very special birthday gift for me. Miguel’s performance and fan support have been phenomenal.”
Miguel Oliveira: “It’s special to stand on the podium at home. We know we have more work ahead, but this is a positive start.”
Danilo Petrucci: “I’m learning how to ride this bike better. Every session brings new insights and improvements.”
Facts and Figures
Superpole Results
Air temperature: 20°C, track temperature: 37°C, humidity: 60%, conditions: dry.
Pos.
Rider
Team
Manufacturer
Time
1.
Nicolò Bulega (ITA)
Aruba.it Racing – Ducati
Ducati
1:38.495*
4.
Miguel Oliveira (POR)
ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team
BMW
1:39.068
9.
Danilo Petrucci (ITA)
ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team
BMW
1:39.254
Race Results Summary
The results from Race 1, Superpole race, and Race 2 demonstrated consistent performance from Oliveira and gradual improvement from Petrucci as both riders adapted to their machines and conditions.
© BMW Group
