Marco's

Autodromo Internacional Algarve

The Track

The track opened in October 2008, with the inaugural race ( World Superbike Championships ) in November. The track has been designed and approved by the various governing bodies including the FIA and the FIM. Given the location, facilities at the track and surrounding area and the investment made ( in excess of €700m ), it is only a matter of time before F1 races take place here. Throughout the winter of 2008/09, the track has already been used by a number of F1 teams for testing. Both Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher have spoken very highly of the facilities and the track.

The autodrome has been designed to accommodate approximately 8,3000 spectators in grandstands, VIP lounges and open areas.

In the centre of the track, there is a multi-level VIP Tower. This consists of 48 private boxes each with seating for up to 21 people. Private closed circuit TV provides total coverage of the entire track. A cafeteria on the top floor and a 360 degree viewing platform complete the VIP Tower.

Location...

The Autodromo Internacional Algarve  is situated approximately midway between the towns of Portimao ( 15Km ) and Lagos, on the Algarve, Portugal. Just off  of the main A22 motorway viathe4.5km, purpose built dual carriageway ( see the Map page ).
37^o 13' 19'' N, 008^o 37' 46'' W

Airports:

The country’s capital, Lisbon, is served by an international airport ( 250km ), which receives intercontinental flights. Nearer and more convenient is Faro International airport ( 75km).

There is also a small aerodrome situated at Alvor ( 10Km ) which has a hard runway and can take small planes up to 8 passengers.

For visitors wishing to access the track via helicopter, there is a private helipad on site.

A site just 2kms south of the track is a candidate for the new Algarve airport.

Sea:

Lisbon is served by an international sea port. There are also an international marinas at Portimao and Lagos.

Rail:

There is no direct access via rail. The nearest station is in Portimao, which is not a major station although connections can be made to Lisbon and more frequently / directly to Faro.

Distances:

Approximate travelling times to the Autodrome from the various locations by road are:
Lisbon ( Airport ) – 2.5 / 3 hours.
Faro ( Airport ) – 50 minutes.
Portimao - 15 minutes.
Alvor - 10 minutes.
Lagos - 15 minutes.

Track Passes

There are four types of track passes currently available. From €99 to €595.
Click here for details at the Autodrome official site.

Further Development

Developments at the track include the creation of an adjacent kart track ( The Kartódromo Internacional do Algarve ), which is one of the largest of its type in Europe. It also has an area for restaurants, bars, stands and pits.  02/2011 Update  Work has been completed on this phase of the development. Further developments include a Technology Park and a 10,000 sq.m. Sports Complex.

Facilities...

There is provision for a number of retail outlets at the rear of the Grandstand. These currently include a Race clothing & souvenir shop, Property Agents and a snack bar & cafe.

Accommodation

Work has already commenced on the provision of a 5 star hotel and spa complex by Radisson SAS. The complex will also include a 160 tourist apartments. Guests will be able to walk to the track in less than 10 minutes. More details here Radissonsas.com

VIP Tower Corporate / Track Day Hire

A syndicate of local business people own a private box within the VIP Tower at the autodrome, and are prepared to hire their facility to corporate clients. Clients of the VIP Tower, also enjoy full track access with the exception of the track-side pit lane.

The VIP Tower is located in the centre of the track and commands an extensive view of the track. The roof cafeteria affords a 360 degree view of the track.

The private box contains dining facilities, toilet, closed circuit TV and seating for 21 spectators and outside balcony.

To discuss hire,  food, refreshments and access to full track facilities please contact Mark White ( see the Contact page ).

Assistance can also be offered to source private accommodation in the immediate area and transfers from the major airports or resorts.

In addition to the provision of the private box,  track day hire in association with Ginetta British Sports Cars ( Portugal ), can also be also be arranged.
See thier site Algarveracing.info for booking details.

Racing School

Courses are intended for the general public, businesses and all those who want to enjoy a new experience and even improve the your style of driving. The provision of instruction machines are as varied as: Porsche Cayman S, Porsche Boxter S, Nissan GT-R, Porsche 911 GT3, Porsche 911 Carrera, Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Ferrari 360 Challenge and BMW M3 and a Honda Motorcycle CBR 1000 RR.
Four types of courses are available: Classic, Silver, Platinium and Gold with prices vary between € 299 and € 899.

Track Data:

* Perimeter > 4692m * Length in straights > 3204m (68,3%) * Length in corners > 1488m (31,7%) * Width of track > 14m * Number of corners > 16 * To right > 9 * To left > 7 * Minimum radius of corner > 20m * Maximum radius of corner > 152m * Maximum Slope > 6,2% * Maximum Gradient > 12,0% * Maximum Bank > 8,0% * Minimum Bank > 2,0% Starting Straight * Length > 969m * Width > 18m

GP Circuit

Circuit Length 4.692 km (2.915 mi)
Turns 18
Lap Record 1:31.404 ( Adam Carroll, A1 Team Ireland, 2009, A1GP )

Motorcycling Circuit

Circuit Length 4.658 km (2.894 mi)
Turns 15
Lap Record 1:43.787 ( Troy Bayliss, Ducati )