Portimao

The need to re-shape the Formula 1 and MotoGP calendars in 2020 led to some surprise and welcome additions.

The need to re-shape the Formula 1 and MotoGP calendars in 2020 led to some surprise and welcome additions. One such venue was the undulating Autódromo Internacionale do Algarve near Portimão which was new to both series. Opened in October 2008 at a reputed cost of €195m, the circuit attracted senior championships such as GP2 and FIA GTs and was licenced as an F1 test venue since 2010. Ten years later, Portimão held the first Portuguese Grand Prix since 1996 and motorcycling’s top category returned to the country after an eight-year absence.