Álex Márquez and Stefan Bradl face the last Grand Prix of the season this weekend, at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal.
This Friday will be the first time that Álex Márquez takes to the Portuguese track with the Honda RC213V. The Repsol Honda Team rider has never competed at the circuit before, but did participate in a test just before the French Grand Prix in October. Riding the Honda RC213V-S, he was satisfied with both the layout and the new asphalt, despite mentioning that it was a somewhat difficult track due to its famous ‘roller coaster’ section and different elevation changes.
Stefan Bradl does have experience at the track, as in 2017 he raced there with the Honda CBR1000RR in the World Superbike Championship. In addition, he did two days of testing in Portimao with the Honda RC213V before traveling to Le Mans. Bradl enjoyed a positive test, leaving satisfied with both his lap times and his feel for the track.
Initial weather forecasts are for good conditions for the Grand Prix that will close the 2020 season.
ÁLEX MÁRQUEZ:
“After a few days of rest and recovery I am feeling better and my left wrist is feeling stronger. Portimao is a new circuit for almost everyone this weekend so it will be interesting to see how we all adapt and learn it. It’s a very physical track with a lot of blind corners so I think it will produce some very exciting racing. I’m looking forward to it!”
STEFAN BRADL:
“When I tried the RC213V at Portimao during the test it was like a whole new circuit from when I raced there before, the level of the bike and also the electronics in MotoGP makes it completely different. I am looking forward to the weekend, the track is enjoyable to ride and I want to finish the season well. It has been very busy, especially these last three races, but I have enjoyed myself a lot.”
