Motorsport fans could witness history at the next Formula 1 grand prix when it descends on the beautiful southern shoreline of the Algarve later this month.
Having equalled Michael Schumacher’s all-time record of 91 F1 victories by winning the Eifel GP at the Nürburgring, Lewis Hamilton could go one better with a win in Portugal and write a new chapter in the sport.
For that reason motorsport fans will be even more eager to say “I was there” if indeed Hamilton takes the checkered flag on 25 October.
This year the 2020 Portuguese GP takes place over 66 laps of the 4.684-kilometre Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão.
João Fernandes, president of Algarve Tourism, said: “Formula 1 has been absent from Portugal for 24 years and it is a prestigious international sporting event that we have been very keen to have back for a long time.”
Portugal last hosted an F1 GP 24 years ago at Estoril near Lisbon so the whole nation is looking forward to 23-25 October where all eyes will be on the Portimao circuit. Just for good measure and as a racing hotspot, southern Portugal is also hosting the final MotoGP race of the season at the Autodromo do Algarve between 20-22 November.
Courtesy of Visitalgarve.pt
What to know:
With a cost of just under €200m and inaugurated in 2008, the circuit was designed by Ricardo Pina, and was completed in just seven months. The main project consists of a karting track, a five-star hotel, and a sports complex. The track is said to be similar to Spain’s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, whilst the undulating elevations are like Spa-Farncorchamps at the Belgium GP.
The Algarve was the base of legendary Brazilian driver Artyon Senna. Daniel Ricciardo, Charles Leclerc and Valtteri Bottas also raced at the track during their junior years. Avenida Ayrton Senna can be found in the resort of Quinta do Lago; he and other drivers such as Rubens Barrichello created permanent bases in the resort.
Autodromo Internacional do Algarve is a 20-minute drive from Portimao with its sandy beach riverside bars, watersports and more. F1 fans can look forward to a late summer holiday, with 300 days of sun per year, authentic gastronomy and a range of outdoor activities from surfing to cycling, walking, and birdwatching that attracts thrill seekers, nature lovers alike.
© AIA
The first few days eases fans into the event with practice sessions and qualifying on 23 and 24 October – the perfect opportunity to spot your favourite driver and find your way around. With a new interactive map offered at the event, spectators can dive into every circuit on the 2020 Formula 1 calendar and discover all there is to see and do. Following practice and qualifying on 24 October, the big race will be held on 25 October.
Race packages
The Magnolia Hotel courtesy of GrifcoPR
Quinta do Lago is situated less than an hour’s drive from the race track and the resort is offering guests one-off exclusive packages deals. Race enthusiasts have a choice of four nights in Quinta do Lago’s luxury rental accommodation from £2,800 per person. This includes exclusive access to the Formula 1 VIP lounge. Those wanting to stay at the boutique, Miami-style, The Magnolia Hotel, can enjoy three nights at a rate of £470 per person which includes a weekend ticket to the event. For more information see https://www.quintadolago.com/en/
For those who wish to be within touching distance of the circuit (around 30 minutes away) but also away from the hustle and bustle that is attracted by major events, then the five-star beachfront VidaMar Resort Hotel has designed two special packages for motorsport fans covering this month’s F1 grand prix and next month’s MotoGP event. Accommodation package prices can be found at https://www.vidamarresorts.com/resort-algarve/promotions-special-offers/F1
The MotoGP Grand Prix of Portugal season finale is a brand new addition to this rather unusual season which is remaining in Europe due to the worldwide travel restrictions. Enjoy a trip to the Algarve and the stunning Autodromo do Algarve, located around 30 minutes from the coast. A track that usually sees WorldSBK action will host the Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP teams in this one-off event for 2020. A three-night package with Motorsports Travel start from £699 per person. See https://www.motorsportstravel.co.uk/motogp/grand-prix-of-portugal/
Courtesy of @laurenabraham Sunset Yoga
Header image © AIA
For further information please visit www.visitalgarve.pt