Above is the Autodromo do Algarve, venue for the first round of MotoGP.
MotoGP is the fastest motor racing sport and has a fanatical fan base. 200,000 attended the 3-day event last weekend. My visit started badly when the police (GNR) would not allow me into the stadium with a telephoto lens, so I had to use a short portrait lens – that’s why my photos are not quite as sharp as usual. I was baked, fried and grilled over the three days!!
My seat was in the grandstand at turn one at the end of a long straight. The bikes reach 347 kph and then brake, going downhill into the first corner, burning off 200 kph in 80 meters. Below, a rider was tossed into the air at about 150 kph.
The race track is built into the hills about 10 km north of Portimao. Hundreds of uniformed police guide you to a myriad of car parks up in the hills. It is chaotic and each one has a whistle which they use continuously. One of my daughters bought me the 3-day ticket for Christmas.
In the centre, a rider drops his bike in the middle of the pack (at about 150 kph), and fortunately all his companions managed to get round him.
If you look closely at the photo below, it appears as if two riders are on a single bike. But there are two bikes, and you can see their knees touching the ground. You will appreciate how skilled these sportsmen are, as they regularly race in this close formation at incredible speeds.
And finally, a rider is given the vintage vignette treatment.
Love to see a Grand Prix there..
They seem to defy the laws of gravity!
I love your posts and great pictures – thank you!
Oh wow! even though they did not allow your equipment, I think you’ve managed to hit the mark here- it looks great, Des. Thank you for making it educational 👏🏻👌🏻 looking forward to the next post