The Algarve Classic Festival takes place from the 27th to the 30th of October, transforming the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve (AIA), in Portimão, into a «real living museum», with cars from other times.
“After the success of 2016, the main attraction of this year's event will be the participation of new international championships, where around 300 vehicles and 500 drivers from more than 25 different nationalities are expected”, explains the AIA.
Betting on continuity, the Algarve Classic Festival hopes to offer, this year, «an even more diversified show, in the presence of the various modalities of the international “Historic Racing”».
No paddock and Algarve track, spectators will be able to «not only appreciate the beauty of the “competition jewels” of the past, but also see and hear them on the track», as well as enjoy the possibility of interacting with the drivers and with the teams that handle them.
One of the novelties will be the return of Formula 1 until 1966. The former BRM, Lotus, Maserati single-seaters, at the time guided by Juan Manuel Fangio, Stirling Moss or Jim Clark, will be present, after having competed in Portugal at the time, on circuits such as to Boavista and Monsanto.
«Another novelty that is very popular with the public will certainly be the return of Tours until 1966, known as U2TC, with the famous disputes between Cortina Lotus, Alfa Romeo GTA and the restless Mini Cooper S».
Also part of the usual spectacle will be the “GT & Sports Cars Cup” championships for original Grande Turismoes prior to 1965, the Iberian Historic Endurance, the “Stirling Moss Trophy” for sports car prior to 1961 and the “HTTC” for Grupo A Tours until 1986, this year with a two-hour endurance test, in addition to the other tests that make up the program.
For Paulo Pinheiro, head of the Algarve International Circuit, «it is with great satisfaction that the Algarve International Circuit once again hosts the event, which is already a milestone in the calendar of gentleman drivers. A unique event that stands out for the success and elegance of historic cars, which characterize the weekend full of reasons of interest for fans. We believe that this will be another event of excellence».
Diogo Ferrão, organizer of the Iberian Historic Endurance, commented: «when we assumed the co-organization of the Algarve Classic Festival, the first objective was to recover the event and make it the best in Southern Europe. Now we have a new goal: to make the event one of the top five in Europe. We have conditions in terms of infrastructure and the concept of the event, now it will be necessary to exceed our efforts and work out all the details to achieve this level in the coming years».
Aficionados will be able to purchase tickets and get to know more details here
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