Last time out in Assen, Garrett Gerloff proved his speed with a fine qualifying performance, going on to score eighth and seventh in Race 1 and the Superpole Race. Unfortunately, the American’s chances of fighting closer to the front were ended after light contact on the opening lap.
He heads into the weekend with fond memories of the Estoril circuit, having scored a pair of podiums here in 2020, while he just missed out in fourth last year.
On the other side of the box, Kohta Nozane was quick in the Netherlands, but unfortunate circumstances denied him his first points of the season. The Japanese ace was close on Saturday, while a heavy fall in Race 2 after sustaining contact at Turn 1 left him with a fifth metatarsal bone fracture on his right foot. Thankfully, the 26-year-old is fit and ready to race this weekend in Portugal.
After the Friday practice sessions and Superpole qualifier, Race 1 will get underway at 14:00 local time (UTC+1) on Saturday, with Race 2 starting exactly 24 hours later on Sunday, following the SPRC at 11:00.