Autodromo Internacional Algarve - Portimao Circuit

[Swervin_Mervin]

Anyone know what the sketch is with this circuit? i.e. is it ever intended to be used for the top echelons of motorsport such as F1?

Looks like an interesting circuit/location - certainly more so than the likes of Valencia, and is obviously a recent construction.

[Castrol Craig]

it is used for f1 testing, and is used for top level bikesport. oh, and its fooking awesome.

[Swervin_Mervin]

It looks pretty good from the few shots I can find that demonstrate the elevation changes.

It's about time the Portuguese got a GP again. EU GP should at least roam annually.

[entropy]

LMS raced in the dark this year

FIA GT started racing last year

MotoGP will go there this year

F1 go there for winter testing

[kiteless]

Castrol Craig said:

oh, and its fooking awesome.

Make absolutely no mistake about that. MotoGP and F1 need to get there

[Swervin_Mervin]

entropy said:

MotoGP will go there this year

Assuming they go next year, that's my holiday sorted! Already scratched Estoril (2007) and Catalunya (2009) off the MotoGP "to see" list.

[davepoth]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_lqi4I3nvc&fea...

It's certainly built to the very highest FIA specifications for the track, not sure about the spectator facilities. The elevation changes are mental though. Now I've had some experience of how much steeper things are in real life compared to Youtube it looks brilliant.

[drakart]

I drove down there for the LMS 1000km race. An amazing circuit that was classed as too hilly (blind crests etc) for F1. Personally, I couldn't think of a circuit that would be better for F1, but Bernie is Bernie. The main problem with the place is a lack of funding. In five years time it will be totally finished, but money is dripping down after the initial large sum that paid for the circuit and structure. Portugal has been hit VERY hard by its economic position in the EU.

There are a few cafes (the nascar cafe owners are lovely people) and a furniture store on site, but the site is very out of the way and there are not enough events to keep it all running and self sustainable in my opinion. The hotel is nowhere near completion and they are changing the kart circuit again.

It was really frustrating seeing the place as its so close to being truly outstanding, but it just needs a high quality finishing touch. I am very tempted to fly back and do a trackday there and would love to race there in the future too.

Edited to add that the tickets prices are dirt cheap and there high quality toilets etc (but no showers)

Edited by drakart on Monday 6th September 23:20

[Swervin_Mervin]

Too hilly for F1? Why test there then? Spa seems to do ok as well.

More like he wouldn't get a big enough bung.

It would be a real shame if it fell by the wayside for the likes of the utterly cr4p venues like Valencia.

Edited by Swervin_Mervin on Monday 6th September 23:57

[drakart]

Swervin_Mervin said:

Too hilly for F1?

I presume it's because of the difficulty getting super high quality camera footage. I would also think that you are spot on about the ££££££'s!!

[Jerry Can]

there is an article about the development of the circuit and its future plans in Motorsport magazine.

[stevieb]

Dont know about the state of the circuit for F1 etc, but was there in the summer. Went along to one of the Race of champions rounds they had on 9th august. Was a good day out and a better place to be when you compare it to the Stadium in Cardiff or Wembley.

[Swervin_Mervin]

Jerry Can said:

there is an article about the development of the circuit and its future plans in Motorsport magazine.

This month's mag? I just had a look and couldn't see any mention of it.

[plg]

Ironically if mid season testing came back a circuit like this would do quite well?

[patmahe]

Is this circuit worth a visit even if there is no motorsport on (any museum's etc...) I'll be in Portugal around the end of October. Don't suppose they'll let me take my C1 hire car for a lap or two

[mrpink]

patmahe said:

Is this circuit worth a visit even if there is no motorsport on (any museum's etc...) I'll be in Portugal around the end of October. Don't suppose they'll let me take my C1 hire car for a lap or two

going there in 2 weeks time to check it out for trackdays - will ask about the hire car for you ;-)

never saw any museums etc last time I was there but it does have a nice pool to dive into after a hot session on track.

[Jerry Can]

Swervin_Mervin said:

Jerry Can said:

there is an article about the development of the circuit and its future plans in Motorsport magazine.

This month's mag? I just had a look and couldn't see any mention of it.

my mistake, p255 of the Autosport 60th anniversary edition. I knew I read it somewhere.

[craig7l]

and after a nice trackday go down into alvor and have some bbq fish and potatoes in Ababuja restaurant.. or a mile away, tascos in alcalar.....nice cold bottle of alvarinho vinho verde...watch the sun go down.......

[chevronb37]

MotoGP in 2011? Sounds like a holiday in the making. Awesome looking circuit and a good excuse for a trip!

[bobt]

Great circuit for specating, and for driving. Will be there October 24 for Porsche trackday. Anyone there on holiday, come and see the circuit. Co pilot ride anyone?