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Portimao is ready for Formula 1 in 2020 as well
- GPblog.com
While here and there a provisional calendar for the F1 season 2020 is already leaking out, some circuits that are not on it still have hope that they can play a significant role this year. Even circuits that weren't on the original calendar are signing up in this difficult time to help out Formula 1.
Last week the circuit of Imola already let us know that it would like to organize a Grand Prix, preferably this year. Their argument for this plan was that this way the teams do not have to leave the European continent. However, Imola is not the only circuit that has been looking for a place on the F1 calendar for years and now smells its chance.
The Algarve International Circuit in Portugal also proposes to organise another Grand Prix behind closed doors at their complex this year. The circuit near Portimão says to The Race that they are already in talks with FOM for a possible Grand Prix since Bernie Ecclestone was still in charge there and Liberty Media is also in contact. Moreover, they are getting ready to organize an F1 race faster than any other.
Algarve hardly affected by COVID-19
“I think this [enforced closure] will end on the May 1,” Pinheiro confirmed. "I am considering a gap of one or two weeks just to make sure that all the legislation regarding this is implemented and also we are planning to open on the second week of May, that’s our plan at the moment. Because now the concern is not the health issue, but the economic issue, so we are ready to have a race first week of June if needed".
Pinheiro is optimistic for two reasons. Firstly, during the 'lockdown' his circuit has already gained experience in safely organising a private event of one of the major car manufacturers and secondly, the Algarve region has hardly been affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus. Therefore, if there was any danger to public health, it would come from outside.