Reports are surfacing with regards to the Algarve International Circuit entering early discussions with the new owners of Formula 1 about a possible entry to host a race.
Just a short drive from the town of Portimao, the 2.9 mile Algarve circuit has never hosted a grand prix before, however, it has seen F1 tests in recent years, as well as races for A1GP and World Superbikes.
The last time Portugal was on the calendar was at the Estoril circuit in 1996 when Jacques Villeneuve won the race for Williams, forcing the championship battle against Damon Hill to the final round in Japan.
The Algarve circuit does sit on an FIA Grade 2 rating which does mean that F1 races are currently prohibited there, however, with the Portuguese government recovering from a tough economic situation, it may not take much to bring it to a Grade 1 standard in order for F1 to race there.
While the 2018 calendar is currently being arranged and other circuits bringing themselves into the scope of the sport’s new commercial owners, finding a place on the calendar could prove difficult.
With France returning to the sport after a 10-year absence at the Paul Ricard circuit, Germany struggling to keep a permanent place in the world championship, circuit organisers are aware of the precarious situation regarding a place on the schedule.
Recently the managing director of commercial operations for F1 Sean Bratches has made comments about how he would like to extend the calendar to more than 21 races currently permitted, but without clashing with other major championships, the opportunities for the Algarve circuit are there to be taken provided the right deal could be reached.
