minutes ago, after my second session here at the Portimao circuit.The first thing I've got to say is that this is an impressive track that brings the best out of this new Ducati.My first throughts when I got here was that this bike would just be a 1098R

engine remains untouched at 115bhp and a tiny 15-litre fuel tank. This puts the SMR’s range at a woefully short 70 miles.We were lucky enough to ride the SMR on the twisting Portuguese roads and the infamous Portimao circuit just 45 minutes from Faro. I

locations go, Portimao is out of the top drawer. The undulating circuit is technical yet flowing. It's a firm favourite on the World Superbike calendar and features every type of corner except a chicane. Hurrah. It's truly a great place to put a sports tyre

.It wasn't just grip that improved with the change of tyres, either. Even during the gentle out-laps the steering was noticeably better. There are plenty of corners at Portimao where you need to hug an apex for slightly longer than normal or tighten your