Portugal back in the F1 calendar?

Portugal hopes that the approximately 200 million euros (291.1 million dollars) invested in the construction of a circuit in the Algarve tourist region will soon bring back F1 Grand Prix races.

The designer of the circuit, Paulo Pinheiro, told Reuters that an F1 team had already booked the 4.7 km track in the south of Portugal for testing next January. Talks are also underway with other teams.

The Algarve International Circuit has been certified by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and should be ready by the end of October.

It is already set to host the Superbike World Championship finale next November.

« The government will do its best for Portugal to be part of the official F1 calendar, » said the Deputy Minister of Sports, Laurentino Dias.

« This circuit is ready to host all motorsport series up to the most prestigious, Formula 1. »

Portugal was removed from the F1 calendar in 1997 due to safety issues at Estoril.

There were also Grand Prix events held in Porto and Monsanto, near Lisbon, between 1958 and 1960.

The new complex covers over 300 hectares between the port city of Portimao and the Monchique hills, with a capacity to accommodate 100,000 spectators, including a VIP tower that can host 15,000 people.

This complex also includes a football field, a luxury hotel, and residential apartments.

The Minister of Economy Manuel Pinho stated that Portugal was more than interested in the return of Formula 1 Grand Prix races.