For its 26th edition, the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals returns to a venue that drivers particularly enjoy: the Kartódromo Internacional do Algarve. From 7th to 14th November 2026, the Portimão circuit will host the major end-of-season world event for the fifth time in its history.
Nearly 420 drivers from around 60 nations are gathering in southern Portugal with a single goal in mind: to secure victory at the Grand Finals on Saturday 14th November. With its 1,531-metre length, undulating terrain and heavy braking points at the end of long straights, the Portuguese circuit guarantees thrilling races every year. The entire week will also be available to watch live online.
A constant presence since 2010, the Sodikart Group is entering its 17th year of partnership with BRP-Rotax. But the 2026 edition holds special significance for the French manufacturer. After several years focusing on a single internal combustion category, Sodi is making a comeback across two categories, supplying both the Junior MAX field and the DD2 Masters drivers, not to mention the two electric categories, E20 Senior and E20 Masters. In total, four categories will be racing on Sodi chassis at Portimão.
Between the enthusiasm of the Junior MAX youngsters and the experience of the DD2 Masters specialists, the French chassis, fitted with their 2026 livery kit, have a superb opportunity to shine. To meet such a logistical challenge and comply with the RMCGF’s very strict specifications, the entire factory of the world’s leading kart manufacturer has been mobilised, from the R&D department right through to the assembly workshops. In total, 110 ready-to-race karts, powered by the latest-generation Rotax 125 MAX Evo engines, rolled off the production lines: 74 Sigma RS3s for the Juniors and 36 Sigma DD2s for the Masters. For its part, BRP-Rotax directly manages the E20 electric karts, which are also assembled on a Sodi DD2 chassis. The convoy, comprising four lorries loaded with karts, parts and equipment, set off for Portugal at the end of October.
Once in the Portimão paddock, the Sodikart technical team, coordinated on site by Jean-Philippe Guignet, Competition Director of the Sodikart Group, will take over to support the drivers on a day-to-day basis, provide technical advice and manage the spare parts shop. The Sodi shop will also be set up in the heart of the paddock to offer a sneak preview of the brand’s brand-new range of clothing and accessories.
The week in Portugal will also provide an opportunity to bridge the gap between competition and leisure. Sodikart will be exhibiting two flagship models from its rental range on site: the brand-new SR6 and the Rotax-powered Sodi Sport. The latter has, in fact, been a huge hit on tracks around the world since the launch of the R-Sprint category within the SWS (Sodi World Series).
A word from Jean-Philippe Guignet, Competition Director at the Sodikart Group
“Returning to Portimão for the World Final is always a great sporting occasion, all the more so with the line-up doubled for the combustion engine category this year. Between the 74 Sigma RS3s in the Junior MAX class and the 36 Sigma DD2s in the DD2 Masters, our four lorries left the factory carrying 110 karts, meticulously prepared by our teams. The Algarve circuit is fast and demanding, but we know exactly how our chassis perform on this track. Our entire technical team will be on hand from the moment the paddock opens to advise the drivers, help them find the right set-up quickly and provide them with an impeccable parts service, so that everyone can compete on a level playing field.”
A word from Rémi Niero, Managing Director of Sodikart
“It’s always a source of great pride to return to the Rotax World Final, especially as we’re reaching a new milestone this year in Portimão. Returning to two internal-combustion categories, the Junior MAX and the DD2 Masters, alongside the electric E20s, demonstrates the mutual trust that has bound us to BRP-Rotax for 17 years. Our teams at the factory have done a remarkable job preparing these 110 karts. Once there, beyond the on-track battles and the high standard of service we owe to the drivers, we are looking forward to showcasing our new SR6 leisure kart and the Sodi Sport Rotax, which is proving a huge success in the SWS.”