The Dutchman, who started third, led for a long time, but was overtaken by championship leader Diogo Moreira three laps before the end. His second place meant his first podium place in the racing class.
“This one is for my family, I hope to give them a lot of strength,” said 20-year-old Staphorster during the flash interview after his second place in Portugal. The other family member died earlier this year. “This year is such a rollercoaster,” said Veijer, also looking back on his wrist injury that cost him a few races in his debut season in Moto2.
Veijer’s best result in Moto2 so far was fifth place in Hungary in August. The 20-year-old Staphorster has achieved two victories in Moto3 in recent years. This season he will make his debut in Moto2.
Veijer had a good start in Portimão and from the first corner only Moreira was in front of him. On the fourth lap the Dutchman moved to the front for the first time in his Moto2 career, which he maintained for a long time. At the end Moreira turned out to be a little faster. Veijer celebrated his second place after the finish with a clenched fist.
Last race Moto2 next week
The season ends next week with a race in Valencia. Moreira then defends a 24-point lead over Spaniard Manuel González in the hunt for his first Moto2 title. A win earns 25 points.
Thanks to the 20 points for his second place, Veijer rises to fifteenth place in the championship. His compatriot Zonta van den Goorbergh finished sixteenth in Portugal and is number 25 in the rankings.