Portimao, Faro, Portugal, Nov. 5, 2025 (Lusa) - Around 170,000 people are expected over the weekend for the penultimate round of the MotoGP World Championship in Portimão, in Portugal's Algarve region, which will be Portuguese rider Miguel Oliveira's farewell race in the category on home soil, according to estimates by the organisers.
Speaking to the Lusa news agency, the director of the Algarve International Circuit (AIA), Jaime Costa, said that tickets "are selling at a good pace," estimating that the number of spectators will reach "170,000, similar to what happened in 2024."
"We are in line with last year, but the last few days are always strong in ticket sales. As they say, you only know for sure at the end, but our view is that the figures will be very similar to last year's," he noted.
The Portuguese MotoGP Grand Prix, the premier class of motorcycle racing, will take place between Friday and Sunday at the Algarve International Circuit (AIA) and marks the farewell of Portuguese rider Miguel Oliveira from the category, who will move to the Superbike World Championship next year.
For Jaime Costa, "the fact that this is Miguel Oliveira's last MotoGP race on Portuguese soil may attract more spectators to mark the date".
The event, which has both a sporting and economic dimension, will this year have "a strong focus on entertainment", providing an "extended area" dedicated to motorcycling fans, with catering areas, shows and stands representing brands linked to the sport.
"The aim is to provide visitors with a complete experience outside the racing periods and to reinforce Portugal's image as a tourist destination and organiser of major international events," said the official.
To facilitate access to the racetrack and avoid long traffic queues, the organisation will provide car parks and free transport for ticket holders, with dozens of buses running between the circuit and Portimão, Lagos and Figueira, from 8am to 6.30pm.
"We urge the public to use these free transport alternatives to the racetrack, as they guarantee parking and access to the circuit, making it a much more comfortable experience," he stressed.
For Jaime Costa, the visibility generated by MotoGP in Portimão "continues to be an asset for the circuit, the region and the country", consolidating the Algarve as a world reference in motor sport.
He pointed out that the event "is an excellent economic driver", citing data revealed by Unicre, a Portuguese institution specialising in the management, issuance and provision of payment solutions, payment cards and consumer credit.
"During the days of the event in 2024, Unicre indicated that bank card payments increased by 11% for nationals and 16% for foreigners in the Algarve. The estimate for the total economic impact of the event is around €70 to €80 million, covering hotels, restaurants, telecommunications, transport and international promotion," Jaime Costa said.
JPC/AYLS // AYLS
Lusa
