New circuit in Portugal wants to become major F1 test centre
During the Business Forum in Monaco, the promoters of a new international racing circuit at Portimao on Portugal's southern coast gave more over information about the new track. The construction works on the complex have already begun and the circuit aims to compete with other F1 test circuits in the region.
The Autodromo Internacional do Algarve is situated 40 minutes from the international airport at Faro with a direct connection by motorway. The track will have a number of different configurations the longest being 4.68 kilometres in length and equipped for all levels of motor racing. The circuit will also have a system for simulating rain which will allow for different amounts of water on the tarmac.
The construction works on the circuit and the facilities around it have to be finished by October 2008 as the track will than host a round of the World Superbike Championship.
The circuit is also set to be become a major F1 testing centre and will compete with Jerez de la Frontera and the Spanish tracks at Barcelona and Valencia.
