Algarve and the 2013 F1 Race: A Possible Match?

Published on 7th February, 2013

Bernie Ecclestone, the Formula 1 head honcho, has asserted that the highly-anticipated 2013 racing calendar can still include 20 races. Both France and Portugal have been showing great interest as hosts for the event. Such pronouncements were made to Autosport, the British motorsport magazine.

It must be noted that the 2013 racing calendar was modified by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) last 2012 to accommodate the planned July 21 European race. The FIA is the governing body of auto racing events notably the World Rally Championship and the Formula One.

The 20th race was initially linked to either the Red Bull Ring in Austria or the Istanbul Park in Turkey, according to Autosport. But the chances for the race to be held at these racing circuits appear to have evaporated into thin air. In December, Ecclestone said that he expected the racing calendar to include one less race than originally planned.

This leaves the 21 July 2013 race vacant for contenders. Algarve is considered one of the strongest contenders considering a number of factors in its favor.

For one thing, the Algarve International Circuit is one of the world-class racing circuits in Europe. Its 4.692-kilometer race circuit is considered one of the best so much so that it is one of two Formula One testing venues along with Bahrain. It is complemented by a full set of facilities and amenities including a sports complex, a five-star hotel and apartment complex, and a technology park, among others.

Also known as the Portimao Circuit because of its location, it has hosted several national and international racing events. These include the World Superbike Championship, the A1 Grand Prix Season, and the GT Championship.

For another thing, the quality of the circuit itself is suitable for Formula One racing. Its constantly undulating nature, big downhill slopes, and special turns make it one of the well-loved circuits among household names in racing like Filipe Albuquerque, Earl Bamber, and Nicolas Prost.

Of course, all of these possibilities are still up for conjecture pending Ecclestone’s approval. In prior news reports, the F1 head honcho has said that he does not yet know since both France and Portugal are interested. Germany is also batting for the spot where the race will be held at the Nurburgring.

But Germany appears to be out of the race to host the 20th race in the series. Ecclestone has recently announced to the German media that he has cancelled negotiations. This can prove favorable to Algarve.

Again, it may also not considering the pronouncements of the F1 supremo. According to Ecclestone, Formula One and its racers seem content with just 19 races. But if someone wants the 20th race, then F1 can help in the organization.

The bottom line: Let’s wait and see. 20 July 2013 is still a few months away so positive developments can come up in the intervening period.

Then again, even when the Formula One is not in town, Portimão is a destination unto itself. The F1 races are just the icing on the pie.

Portimão is a vibrant mix of peoples and places, arts and cultures, beaches and bars that cannot be easily dismissed as just another resort town on the Algarve. The town is almost neatly divided into the older part where late 19th century to early 20th century architecture combines and the newer part where colorful apartment blocks in blue, pink and coral call out.

Indeed, Formula One or no Formula One, the Algarve is a must-see in Portugal. Race toward it and you will be welcomed with open arms!

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Published in: Guide to Portugal / Portuguese Life