MotoGP 23 Portugal Setup: Portuguese Grand Prix setup guide - Portimao guide

MotoGP's Portuguese Grand Prix gets your in-game season off to a bang, so you'll need the right MotoGP 23 Portugal setup to get started.

We're seriously impressed by MotoGP 23 and you read why by heading over to our full review. MotoGP 23 is one of the best motorbike games on the market, but it's anything but easy.

In MotoGP 23's Career Mode, the first testing session and race of your first full season takes place in Portugal. This is the case whether you go for the full or short calendar option.

Portimao is a modern circuit, but it's a real challenge thanks to its undulating surface and long corners punishing the tyres. Never fear though, we're here to help as always with our MotoGP 23 Portugal setup guide!

MotoGP 23 Portugal setup

The Algarve International Circuit has been a popular addition to the MotoGP calendar since it made an unexpected debut in 2020. Portimao is a great track to race around and overtaking is always possible down its long pit-straight.

Starting with the tyres, you're best using a Hard on the front axle and a Medium on the rear. The traction zones won't give the rear many problems, but the long corners in the final sectors chew up your front.

You can go Medium-Medium, but you'll be struggling towards the end of the race.

Suspension

Front pre-load needs to be low at 2 to allow for more consistent steering around the long corners in Portugal. Oil quality is best at 3, with the front spring hardness up at 4.

The front fork compression is best at 4, with the extension at 3.

On the rear, the rear pre-load has to be up at around 5 with the Swingarm connector up at 4. Spring hardness should be around 3, with shock absorber compression also at 3 with the extension up at 4 to help the bike's overall grip.

Vehicle geometry

For your Vehicle Geometry, steering head inclination should be up to 5 to make the bike's steering more consistent and stable.

The trail has to be up to around 4, with the steering plate position down at 3. Lastly, the rear swingarm length needs to be set higher at 5.

Transmission

All of the gear ratios should be set slightly low at 3 for Portugal. The only exception to this is the final ratio, which should be up at 6 to allow for a high overall top speed.

The slipper clutch should be down at 3 to help the stability of the ride.

Brake System

In Portimao, there aren't many big braking zones. However, there are numerous smaller zones back-to-back that can lead to overheating. A 340mm high mass brake on the front and a 220mm on the rear are the best options here.

ECU

The electronic aids that are available to you in MotoGP definitely come in handy here. You'll need to turn all of them up quite high to keep your bike on the road. Traction Control is at 5 to help prevent excess wheelspin out of slower corners.

Engine Braking also should be cranked up to 4, in order to help aid shaving speed through the first and final sectors. Anti-wheelie has to be up at 5 to prevent the front wheel from flying off the ground.

Power mapping is best at 3 for a flying lap, but you'll need to turn this around during some points in the race. This is to save the engine and fuel.

All of these can be adjusted out on track using the HUD in the bottom-right of the screen.