RMCGF26 Daily Report #1, Nov 8

A WARM WELCOME TO THE ROTAX FAMILY 

The event kicked off on Friday, November 6, with the Sporting Check-Ins continuing throughout Saturday as drivers completed their registration and preparations for the week ahead.

Saturday evening brought one of the first highlights of the event: the official Drivers Presentation at the podium. In front of a packed crowd, the drivers received an enthusiastic welcome from spectators, families and fellow competitors. The fantastic atmosphere and excitement throughout the audience provided the perfect start to this year's Grand Finals.

The celebrations continued with the traditional Welcome Party in the Drivers Tent, where everyone enjoyed a relaxed evening with BBQ, drinks and the opportunity to reconnect with friends from across the international Rotax community.

424 KARTS – ONE ICONIC LINE-UP 

Today, we began with one of the most spectacular traditions of the RMC Grand Finals: the iconic kart line-up! Following hours of preparation by our dedicated team on Saturday evening, 424 brand-new racing karts were perfectly lined up along the start-finish straight, creating an impressive sight as the drivers arrived at the circuit. The line-up provided the perfect backdrop for the traditional Nations Pictures, capturing the international spirit that makes the RMC Grand Finals such a unique event.

The programme continued with the official Welcome Briefing at the podium, introducing the key officials and support teams responsible for the event, including the Race Director, Stewards, Chief Scrutineers and Customer Support Team.

Then it was time for another important moment: the Kart Raffle.

Fairness and parity are at the heart of the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals. With brand-new, equally prepared equipment provided to the competitors, each kart is allocated through a random draw. This ensures that every driver starts with the same opportunity to succeed, putting the focus where it belongs: on driving talent, racecraft and performance on track.

PORSCHE TRACK EXPERIENCE JOINS THE GRAND FINALS 

This year's event also welcomes Porsche Track Experience, bringing another exciting dimension to the Grand Finals in Portimão.

Through a special cooperation, participants have the opportunity to win exclusive experiences at the nearby Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, including a Porsche GT4 RS driving experience, thrilling Porsche taxi rides and Simulator challenges. Another highlight was a Meet & Greet with Jörg Bergmeister – Porsche Ambassador on Saturday, Nov 07.

Porsche Track Experience is also present in the RMCGF paddock with its own exhibition area, welcoming visitors who would like to discover more about the advanced driver trainings they offer throughout the season on international GP tracks.

(718 Cayman GT4 RS (WLTP): Fuel consumption combined: 13.0 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 295 g/km; CO₂ class: G; Status 10/2026)

STAY CONNECTED – DON'T MISS A MOMENT! 

While the racing action is still to come, our social media channels have already been buzzing with impressions from the first days of the event! From the first arrivals and Sporting Check-Ins to the Drivers Presentation, Welcome Party and spectacular kart line-up, we've been sharing plenty of photos, videos and behind-the-scenes moments.

And there's much more to come!

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for daily updates, exclusive behind-the-scenes stories, interviews and all the highlights from Portimão.

Throughout the week, we will also release specially produced videos on our official Rotax Karting YouTube channel, capturing the emotions, personalities and unforgettable moments that make the RMC Grand Finals so special. The official livestream kicks off on Wednesday, November 11, bringing the racing action directly to Rotax fans around the world.

The preparations are nearly complete, the excitement is building, and 424 karts are ready for action.

Let the racing begin!