The Superbike and Supersport World Championships closes the season at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, next weekend from 14th to 16th October. Although the champions of both categories are already known, there is still a lot to decide and show.
Carlos Checa (Ducati) was the driver who dominated the entire Superbike season, winning more than half of the races held, having already secured the world title.
In Portimão it will be the Spaniard's consecration, at a time when his most direct opponents throughout the season will want to shine in the last race. An invasion of Spanish fans is therefore expected during the race weekend.
Marco Melandri (Yamaha), a former MotoGP rider and rookie in the Championship, was one of the strongest opponents, currently occupying second place in the table in a consolidated manner. The Italian has been on the podium several times and has always been a strong candidate for victories.
Close behind in terms of Championship standings is another 'rookie' Eugene Laverty (Yamaha), twice runner-up in Supersport with Parkalgar Honda and who also has ambitions, on a circuit he knows well, to emerge victorious.
Defending title champion and iconic Aprilia driver, Max Biaggi was unable to fight for the title's revalidation when, at the Nurburgring, he fractured his foot and was left out of the tracks. The Italian returns to sporting activity in the Algarve and it is certain that he will want to make up for his absence with victories.
In Supersport, a clear highlight for the home team, Parkalgar Honda, with Miguel Praia and Sam Lowes. The Portuguese team has not yet achieved the much-desired victory in Portimão, so both drivers will want to make history.
Sam Lowes, rookie in the Championship, has been doing an extraordinary journey, climbing several times on the podium, but still not reaching the highest place on the podium. The objective is to achieve it in Portimão and close the season with a golden key.
Miguel Praia, in front of his audience and certainly very supported, wants to finally break his personal record in the world championship and close the season in the top 5.
Chaz Davies (Yamaha) is also the 2011 Champion, but the runner-up is still open, with Fabien Foret (Honda), Broc Parkes (Kawasaki), David Salom (Kawasaki), Sam Lowes (Honda) and Luca Scassa (Yamaha) mathematically still able to reach second place.
In addition to the Superbike and Supersport, the Superstock 1000, Susperstock 600 and the National Superbike and Superstock Championship will also be in action. Tickets are for sale on the racecourse's website and shop or on the ticket line.
For those unable to attend the AIA for this event, the World Superbike and Supersport races can be seen on Eurosport or RTP2.
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