New tracks in Spain and Portugal
The Iberian peninsula is interested more and more in strengthening its presence in Formula One, including the construction of two new modern circuits. On the Spanish front, the municipality of Alcaniz has decided to compete with Jerez, Montmelo and Valencia, as the construction of a new 5.3 KM track has just been started…
The “Ciudad del Motor de Alcaniz” circuit, has been designed by Hermann Tilke, the German architect behind all modern tracks currently on the Formula One calendar, with the precious help of Pedro de La Rosa, McLaren-Mercedes test driver .
On the Portuguese front instead, a new circuit in the Algarve, the southernmost region of mainland Portugal, is almost complete (estimated total completion in October), as 200 Million euros were allocated 2 years ago. Paulo Pinheiro, Algarve Circuit Boss, told Reuters that a Formula One team has already booked a test at the track for next January.
The track will have FIA’s official certification and for this reason the Portuguese authorities are hoping for a comeback of the F1 circus since Estoril’s last Grand Prix in 1996. Laurentino Dias, Portugal’s deputy sports minister, said: “Our government will do its best for Portugal to become part of the world’s main championships. This circuit is prepared to host a range of motor races, from the most modest to Formula One.”
2014 F1 Australian Grand Prix
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