Yesterday at 12:00
The Algarve International Circuit, also known as Portimao, is
seeking a return to the F1 calendar in the near future. The track
officially opened its doors in the late 2000s and has hosted
various different championships, including MotoGP, during its short
history. It welcomed F1 during the Covid-stricken 2020 and 2021
seasons, with Lewis Hamilton winning both grands prix for Mercedes.
Having been absent from the calendar ever since, Portugal's prime
minister Luis Montenegro is keen to see a deal struck between the
circuit and F1 to bring the track back to the schedule in the near
future. "One of the circumstances that most contributes to the
promotion of this region is the major events," he said. "We secured
the MotoGP, the flagship event of world motorcycling, for 2025 and
2026. "And I can tell you that we have everything ready to
formalise the return of Formula 1 to the Algarve next year, in
2027. "These events require some financial effort on the part of
the government, but they provide a return, both direct and
indirect, through promotion, that is truly worthwhile." However,
Portugal is facing stiff competition from various other locations
that are actively trying to secure a return to F1 amid its
popularity boom. Thailand, South Africa, Rwanda, Argentina and
Turkey are just some of the countries that have voiced interest in
establishing a permanent grand prix. F1 has already put a plan in
place to create a rotating year-to-year calendar with some races
returning every second season.
