Miguel Oliveira remains focused on getting himself “up to speed” with his BMW WorldSBK bike after a two-day test in Portimao.
In reality, the two-day test on 9–10 March was a one-day test because rain that first arrived on the afternoon of the first day ultimately lasted long enough to mean the track never dried day two at all, limiting running to only Tommy Bridewell, Philipp Oettl, and Xavi Vierge – the latter not actually setting a lap time.
For Miguel Oliveira, then, running was restricted to day one, but he finished an encouraging fourth-fastest, behind the Ducatis of Sam Lowes and Nicolo Bulega, and the Bimota of Alex Lowes.
“The Portimao test was productive but very short,” Oliveira told WorldSBK.com after the test.
“Our priority remains to get me up to speed on my adaptation to the bike so I can prepare for the race weekend.
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“In the short time I had on track, the feelings were positive, but we need more time.
“Our goal in the test was to achieve good, quality time on top of the M 1000 RR. I was able to get a taste of the Portimao track on my bike, which, on its own, is already a lot to learn.
“As for the upcoming round, it’s the wish of every rider to race in their home country. For me, it’s no different. I’m excited and motivated to please my crowd with the best possible performance.”
The World Superbike Championship returns to Portimao on 27–29 March for the Portuguese Round, the second round of the 2026 season.
Oliveira goes there after an Australian Round that was conditioned by a Superpole crash that ultimately saw him starting from the back in all three races; even still, he was able to recover to the top-10 in both long races and was in the top-nine of the Superpole Race before a gear shift issue prevented him from completing the final lap at racing speed.
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