Paulo Pinheiro, CEO of the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve (AIA), considers that F1 to continue in Portugal in 2021 is a «realistic scenario».
This person was speaking in the context of a webinar, organized by Standvirtual, about the impact that the passage of Formula 1 in Portimão will have this year.
Asked about the repetition of the race in the coming years, Paulo Pinheiro said that this is a “realistic” scenario.
“Obviously, it's not guaranteed, neither by far nor close. It's an ambition we have. In fact, our mission is to run two big races and make organizations have the will and motivation to continue here in Portimão. There are economic issues, such as the value of fees, which organizations try to maximize, but the quality of the environment around the event is also valued: hotels, restaurants, ease of access to the country, the fact that our country, and in particular the Algarve, is one of those with the lowest rates of infected by Covid-19. All this makes us in a privileged position».
The responsible for the Algarve circuit also added: “what we know from the organizations is that next year's calendars will still not be normal, neither for F1 nor for Moto GP. What should be there is almost a copy of the initial calendar for this year and then we will see a reformulation of it throughout the year, depending on the situation in each country. So what we have to do is be prepared in case we are called if this situation were to happen. Which is practically safe».
In a more technical analysis, Pedro Matos Chaves, former driver and one of the few Portuguese to have reached the highest category in world motorsport, explained the main challenges that drivers will face at the Portimão circuit.
“It's a very fun track, which pulls a lot on the riders, it's a big challenge. On the qualifying lap, which is faster, entering the finish line should be spectacular. Turn 1 will also be funny, after the hook on the straight behind the pits there is a first right there that I think will be very cute, these cars are fantastic in fast corners and make a difference due to their weight and especially their aerodynamics. But the qualifying lap, when the engines are at their peak, I think it will be one of the most exciting moments for the general public», he said.
Isilda Gomes, mayor of Portimão, considered that this event will represent "an absolutely immeasurable economic impact not only for the region but for the country", advancing that "the hotels in the city and surrounding municipalities are practically full for the week of the test».
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