Pirelli Portuguese Round Free Practice 3

Iker Lecuona delivered a statement performance on Saturday morning, March 28, 2026, by topping the final practice session for the first time in his Ducati career. Lecuona’s objective was to convert his Friday potential into raw pace, and he succeeded by clocking a blistering 1'39.186.

This lap was less than a tenth of a second away from the absolute pole record, placing him a significant 0.419 seconds clear of his nearest rival and establishing him as a favorite for the front row. The session was a showcase for the Ducati Panigale V4R, with Yari Montella securing second place to complete a 1-2 for the Italian manufacturer.

Home hero Miguel Oliveira kept the local fans on their feet by finishing third fastest on his BMW, despite suffering a minor lowside crash at the tricky Turn 5 hairpin with just minutes remaining. Nicolò Bulega and Friday pacesetter Sam Lowes completed the top five, though both struggled to match Lecuona’s standout speed in the cooler conditions.

With the top six riders all dipping into the 1'39s bracket, the stage is set for a historic Superpole battle as the sun begins to warm the Portimão circuit.