Here's the thing about a home round: sometimes the sport gives a rider something genuinely unforgettable before the wheels even turn in anger. Miguel Oliveira (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) took absolute centre stage on Thursday as an incredible crowd of fans gathered at the Palácio Nacional de Sintra for an afternoon of celebrations ahead of the penultimate round of the WorldSBK season.
He wasn't alone in kicking off the weekend festivities, either. The local hero was joined by a stellar cast of riders including Iker Lecuona (Aruba.it Racing - Ducati), Xavi Vierge (Pata Maxus Yamaha), Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team), Jake Dixon (Honda HRC) and Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team). Together, the group met supporters, signed autographs, and shared their expectations for the racing ahead.
Then came the best part of the day. Oliveira climbed aboard a BMW S 1000 RR to lead a massive convoy of fans from Sintra through Estoril and onwards to the Circuito Estoril. The roaring parade didn't just stop at the gates; it continued right onto the track itself before pulling up at Turn 7 for a special ceremony alongside local authorities.
That corner was officially christened the Miguel Oliveira Corner, a stunning tribute recognizing the Portuguese rider at his home circuit and providing a truly memorable opening to his home round. You can catch Oliveira on track as he rounds his newly inaugurated Turn 7 all weekend.
