“It is a possibility” the Algarve circuit in Portugal is in with Formula 1 for replacing one or two cancelled races this season.
After the confirmation two days ago of F1 races being cancelled at Baku, Suzuka, and Singapore, and more set to follow, the spotlight has turned to circuits which are willing to host races this season.
The final confirmation of these additional races will happen in July, and the Algarve circuit in Portugal has thrown their hat in the hosting ring.
Behind-the-scenes negotiations have been going on for some time now, and now official sources at Algarve claim there is very strong support from teams for the circuit to be chosen for this season.
Speaking to leading F1 media outlet Autosport, the spokesperson confirmed they are very confident of the possibility of getting a positive outcome from the negotiations.
“As Ross Brawn has said, it is a possibility.” said the spokesperson. We are the option that everyone wants, from the location, the track, the large facilities that allow greater safety distance, the climate, the hotels and the reduced impact in the country of COVID-19.
On the same context of adding races, F1’s managing director of motorsport Ross Brawn stated last week: “There are a number of good European tracks where we could add another one or two races on to make sure we have a comprehensive season.
“We’re not going to declare it yet, as it’s still a work in progress.” The dates believed to be under discussion for the Iberian country are 27 September and 4 October, with them being called Portuguese GP and Algarve GP respectively.
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Italian venues Imola and Mugello are also being considered to fill up the calendar and make it a comprehensive F1 season. The last time Portugal hosted an F1 Grand Prix was at Estoril in 1996.
