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2021 Algarve MotoGP, Portimao - Saturday Practice & Qualifying LIVE!
Live updates, quotes and results from Saturday Practice and Qualifying for the 2021 Algarve MotoGP at Portimao!
MotoGP makes its second visit to Portimao, and third in a year, courtesy of this weekend's Algarve round.
Marc Marquez, winner of the past two MotoGP rounds, is not present for the penultimate race of the season, withdrawing after still feeling 'unwell' several days after sustaining a 'slight concussion' while training on an off-road bike.
That removes one podium contender, but plenty more remain with newly crowned champion Fabio Quartararo looking to repeat April's dominate victory over Francesco Bagnaia and Joan Mir.
However, home star and last November's winner Miguel Oliveira has also been handed a boost by the news that the hard front tyre option has been changed from the disliked asymmetric version selected for April's Portimao round, to a symmetric hard compound.
That's the type of tyre Oliveira used to win from pole position one year ago, and it could mean all the KTMs are more competitive than at the previous round.
Although Quartararo has already wrapped up the 2021 riders' title, with Bagnaia and Mir on course for second and third, Ducati and Yamaha remain locked in a close battle for victory in the teams' and constructors' championships.
There's also the Moto2 and Moto3 title fights to look out for, both of which could be settled this weekend.
Remy Gardner holds an 18-point lead over rookie Ajo team-mate Raul Fernandez in Moto2, with another Ajo rider, Pedro Acosta, 21-points clear of Leopard's Dennis Foggia in Moto3.
If Gardner or Acosta can extend their lead to 26 or more points on Sunday they will be crowned champion without the pressure of a final round showdown in Valencia next weekend.
The Moto2 title battle is the lone championship that rolls onto the final round in Valencia. Gardner has a 23 point lead over Fernandez.
Gardner wins the Portimao Moto2 from Raul Fernandez, Lowes, Beaubier and Aron Canet.
Last lap time here in Portimao as Gardner leads by 2.5 seconds. Lowes is quickly catching Fernandez but it doesn't look like it will be enough to get ahead and hand Gardner the title.
The gap between Gardner and Fernandez is now over a second.
It's been a stunning ride from American Racing rider Cameron Beaubier who is currently fourth with three laps to go.
If the positions remain as they are, Gardner would have a 23 point lead heading into Valencia.
Gardner has managed to create a five tenths gap with just five laps to go.
This race is far from over as Fernandez is holding onto the back fo Gardner with nine laps to go.
Gardner has taken the lead!
Fernandez has picked up his pace, however, Gardner is still faster at the moment.
Team-mates Jake Dixon and Xavi Vierge has both crashed out at turn 1. Separate incidents for the two riders.
Sam Lowes is doing the same to Bezzecchi in fourth.
Gardner is on a charge and has closed a 1.3 second gap down to seven tenths.
Fernandez continues to lead but he could be facing pressure from Gardner soon. The Australian is up to second.
Marco Bezzecchi has moved ahead of Gardner for second, while Albert Arenas has also crashed out.
Somkiat Chantra is already out after a crash at turn 13.
Fernandez is on the soft tyre as opposed to Gardner's harder option and he's already pulling clear.
Looks like Aron Canet may have jumped the start... Raul Fernandez leads from pole ahead of team-mate Remy Gardner.
And it's lights out for the Portimao Moto2.