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New track revives hopes for Portugal GP |
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Wednesday, 13 February 2008 |
(GMM) A new circuit in Portugal will be used for formula one testing, and the facility is also hopeful of capturing a round of the world championship.
Two years ago, it emerged that a F1-style circuit in the Algarve, the southernmost region of mainland Portugal, was being planned with a budget of around 200m euros.
The facility is now scheduled for completion in October, and circuit boss Paulo Pinheiro told the news agency Reuters that a formula one team has already booked a test at the track for next January.
The track will have official FIA certification, and government backing to bid for Portugal's first grand prix since Estoril was taken off the calendar in 1996.
"The government will do its best for Portugal to become part of the world's main championships," said deputy sports minister Laurentino Dias.
"This circuit is prepared to host a range of motor races, from the most modest to formula one."
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