| Pirelli brings the SCQ extrasoft for qualifying and the Superpole Race, and the SCX supersoft and SC0 soft for the longer races at a track characterised by limited grip | |
| · Old asphalt and limited grip. After crowning Nicolò Bulega World Champion at the Italian Round in Cremona, the 2026 FIM Superbike World Championship heads into the final stretch of the season, with the last two rounds on the calendar. The Estoril Round is next, where Pirelli will provide WorldSBK riders with the softest solutions in its range for the rear. At a track characterised by relatively old asphalt, which historically tends to offer limited levels of grip as temperatures rise, and where the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean can lead to sudden changes in weather conditions, riders will be able to choose between the SCX supersoft and SC0 soft range compounds for both practice and races. The latter could be an interesting alternative in the event of lower temperatures. Last year, when it was included in the Portuguese allocation as the E0126 development solution, the SCX proved to be the winning compound in all three races.
· SCQ for the time attack. For qualifying and, if desired, also for Sunday morning’s Superpole Race, WorldSBK riders will be able to rely on the SCQ extrasoft, Pirelli’s softest solution, designed to deliver maximum grip over a single lap and in short-distance races. At the front, the proven SC1 soft and SC2 medium range solutions will be available. Finally, in the event of wet conditions — quite possible given the Circuito Estoril’s proximity to the sea — the allocation is completed by DIABLO™ Wet intermediate and DIABLO™ Rain wet-weather tyres for both axles. · Match point for Arenas in Supersport. With the WorldSSP championship heading into its penultimate round, Spain’s Albert Arenas (Yamaha) will have his first match point for the title, holding an 86-point advantage over France’s Valentin Debise (ZXMOTO). For this round, riders will be able to choose between the SCX supersoft and SC0 soft range solutions at the rear, while the SC1 soft and SC2 medium will be available at the front. The Portuguese weekend will also host the final round of the Yamaha R3 World Cup, a championship using Pirelli DIABLO™ Superbike tyres with the SC1 compound on both the front and rear. With two races still to be contested and 50 points up for grabs, Japan’s Riichi Takahira and Dominican Republic’s Xarli Mendez are separated by just one point at the top of the standings, Estoril, a technical and unpredictable circuit |
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