All about the Baja Portalegre 500 2025

Between October 23 and 25, the trails of Alto Alentejo will once again become the epicentre of national and international off-road racing with the 39th edition of the bp Ultimate Baja Portalegre 500.
Organised by the Automóvel Club de Portugal (ACP), the event brings together the world’s best drivers in an edition that promises to be decisive on several fronts.

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Over 500 competitors from 16 nationalities

The 2025 Baja Portalegre 500 will feature more than 500 riders and co-drivers, representing 354 teams from 16 countries.
It is one of the most popular events on the world calendar, part of both the FIA World and European Cups for Bajas, while also scoring points for the Portuguese Cross-Country Championship AM48 (FPAK) and the National Motorcycle Off-Road Championship (FMP).

The municipalities of Abrantes, Alter do Chão, Chamusca, Crato, Fronteira, Gavião, Monforte, Nisa, Ponte de Sor, Portalegre and Sousel once again host the event, with thousands of fans expected along the stages.

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Schedule and race format

October 23 (Thursday):
Administrative and technical checks, followed by the Start Ceremony at Jardim do Tarro, in Portalegre — 7:00 p.m. (Bikes) and 9:30 p.m. (Cars).
Track action begins the next day.

October 24 (Friday):
Prologue of 3 km (7:50 a.m. for bikes, 10:45 a.m. for cars), followed by Stage 1 of 70 km.

October 25 (Saturday):
Stage 2 includes selective sectors of 180 km and 195 km for cars (445 km timed in total) and a single 300 km leg for bikes, totalling 370 km of competition.
Promo Baja and Hobby categories complete 160 km in one day.

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Titles at stake: World, European and National

This edition may decide world, European, and national off-road titles.

In the FIA World Cup for Bajas, Argentina’s Juan Cruz Yacopini leads with 317 points, followed by Miroslav Zapletal (295 pts).
Both have opted not to race in Portalegre, opening the door for drivers like Portuguese Francisco Barreto (5th overall) to climb the standings.

In the FIA European Cup, the title will be decided on Portuguese soil.
Bartlomiej Wajzer (387 pts), Wlodzimierz Grajek (313 pts) and Miguel Ángel Valero (310 pts) are separated by just 77 points, making Portalegre absolutely decisive.

In the Portuguese National Championship, the title fight between Gonçalo Guerreiro (Polaris RZR Pro R) and João Ferreira (Toyota Hilux T1+) promises a thrilling duel.
Only five points separate them — rain could favour Guerreiro, while dry terrain may benefit Ferreira.

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Main contenders

Among the cars, victory is expected to be disputed by João Ferreira, Francisco Barreto, João Ramos, Luís Recuenco, and Wlodzimierz Grajek.
Miguel Barbosa, the 2024 champion, returns aiming to repeat his triumph.

João Ferreira — Cross-country driver from Leiria, Portugal.

In the bike category, multi-champion António Maio (Yamaha WR 450) seeks his ninth win in Portalegre, facing strong opposition from Martim Ventura (Honda CRF 450), Bruno Santos (Husqvarna FE 450), Sebastian Bühler (KTM 450 EXC-F), and current championship leader Micael Simão (GasGas EC 500).

In quads, young Tomás Paulo (Yamaha YFZ450R) leads the national series and chases his first overall win.
The Mini Baja continues to develop talent among 8- to 14-year-olds, reinforcing the sport’s educational role.

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Tradition, excitement, and sustainability

As tradition dictates, rain may play a role again, making the tracks even more challenging and spectacular.
The organisation remains committed to sustainability, operating an Environmental Management System aligned with FIA, FIM, FPAK, and FMP standards, promoting good practices and awareness among participants and spectators.

With 58 cars, 17 Challenger vehicles and 25 SSVs registered, the 2025 Baja Portalegre 500 promises a weekend full of excitement, endurance, and adventure — a true hymn to off-road racing!

From October 23 to 25, Alto Alentejo once again sets the stage for one of the world’s most legendary motorsport events — where tradition meets competition and every second counts.