With two Spanish Superbike Champion titles to his name (2021 and 2023), Ivo Lopes has established himself as one of the most prominent names in ESBK. The Portuguese rider, born in Lisbon, is a reference on the Superbike grid and will be one of the main protagonists in the Navarra double-header; from July 17 to 20 and from August 28 to 31, corresponding to the fourth and fifth rounds of the championship.
Born on September 20, 1996, Lopes has competed in world championships, where he is still active, WorldSBK, defending this season the colors of the Petronas MIE Racing Honda Team. This double participation, both in the world championship and in the ESBK, gives him a unique experience and a competitive pace that make the difference in each race.
The 2025 season is not being easy for anyone, this edition has been marked by a tragic event: the death of Borja Gómez, who lost his life on July 3 during the third round of the FIM JuniorGP in Magny-Cours. The young rider from Murcia was not only one of the most promising talents in the championship, but also the current leader of the general classification, a position he maintains even after his absence. Ivo Lopes occupies the fourth position, with a total of 87 points, the result of three podiums. The Portuguese rider affected by the loss of his teammate has clearly expressed that his motivation for the rest of the season is to compete in his honour and give his best in memory of Borja Gómez.
The Circuit of Navarra will be key in his aspirations to revalidate the title. Not only because it is a demanding, technical track with areas that reward both power and precision, but also because it will host two consecutive rounds that could mark a before and after in the fight for the championship.
In the run-up to this double event, we have been able to talk to Ivo Lopes to find out first-hand his feelings, his vision of the Navarrese track and his expectations for these decisive events. The Portuguese rider did not hesitate to be ambitious, although he was also well aware of how tight the championship is and the importance of maintaining concentration and focus race by race.
How would you rate your season so far?:
A bit strange, because I don't finish off. We are always fighting for victory, but it resists us.
In the first race there were two laps to go, but going first three seconds behind my pursuer, I had a problem with the bike. In Barcelona ride through, and in MotorLand I crashed on Sunday after being second on Saturday. In general, I look fast, but luck has not been with me at the start of the season. The following quotes are my favorites on the calendar; Navarra because I love the circuit and Estoril because it's my home, so we'll do well.
What do you think of the Navarra Circuit and the fact that two ESBK races are held there?
The truth is that I love it, I have very good memories of the circuit, victories, podiums... I love the new layout, it's a track that suits my riding style quite a bit. Although the dates chosen will be difficult because the heat and high temperatures will have to be managed.
What expectations do you have for both events?
Win. I want to dedicate my results to Borja because he was a very important part of this Spanish Superbike Championship. He was the leading contender for the title and deserves that we all honor his memory by doing what he loved most — competing.
With a solid team around him, BMW Easy Race Team, a competitive bike, BMW M1000RR, and a very special emotional motivation, Ivo Lopes arrives in Navarra determined to close the gap with the top of the table. The next two rounds of the championship promise strong emotions and, without a doubt, the Portuguese rider will be one of the names to watch very closely.