The Algarve International Autodrome, in Portimão, is forecasting a spectacular 40 per cent rise in attendance at this year’s World Superbike event, with total spectators expected to reach 70,000 over the three-day event, set to take place over this weekend.
Speaking to journalists, the circuit’s chief executive, Jaime Costa, said expectations for this year’s edition are “high”, with organisers anticipating “significant growth compared to last year”.
“Ticket sales are still ongoing, as we will continue selling through to Sunday, but I believe it will be straightforward to move from 50,000 to 70,000 spectators across the three days of competition,” he said.
Costa noted that attendance at the Superbike event has been rising steadily in recent years, attributing the increase to sustained marketing efforts, combined this year with the so-called “Miguel Oliveira effect”. The Portuguese rider, he said, has “a magnetism of his own” that draws “large numbers of spectators”.
“We are seeing more Portuguese spectators, both in percentage and absolute terms, than last year, although this event has always had a strong ability to attract international visitors,” he added, stressing that rising attendance is “crucial for the financial viability of the race”.
Despite this, Costa acknowledged that hosting the event represents a significant financial burden for the circuit. “It is an investment we make because it brings a different level of visibility in international markets, but financially it is a loss-making event for us,” he said, declining to specify the deficit.
Alongside the increase in spectators, the economic impact of the Superbike round on the region is also expected to grow, rising from €30 million last year to an estimated €40 million in 2026.
“Visitors stay longer in the region, spend more in restaurants, go to the beach and visit other places where they also spend money. As a result, we are able to deliver a strong economic boost to the region at this time,” Costa said.
Recalling that it was a Superbike race that inaugurated the circuit back in 2008, Costa confirmed that the management intends to retain the championship at the venue. The current contract runs until 2027, with renewal discussions expected to begin in the coming months, with the aim of securing the event in Portimão for at least a further three years.
The logistics of hosting this World Superbike round will involve around 20,000 people, including security forces, civil protection teams, firefighters, volunteers, race marshals and private security staff.
The Algarve circuit is hosting the second round of the World Superbike Championship this weekend, with Miguel Oliveira aiming to make history by becoming the first Portuguese rider to win a race in the world championship.
Preliminary track action got underway this morning, 27th March, with free practice sessions. Qualifying and the first races are scheduled for Saturday from 12:00, while Sunday will feature the Superpole races in the morning followed by the main races in the afternoon.
Source material: LUSA
