Portugal in talks to stage its first grand prix this season for 24 years

Portimão is ready to step into the breach and host a Formula 1 grand prix this season.

The Algarve circuit is on F1's contingency list should other tracks fall by the wayside, most notably Sochi in Russia.

At present, F1 is planning a second race in Italy for September 11-13, either at Mugello or Imola that would mark Ferrari's 1000th grand prix.

With Singapore now officially cancelled, the weekend on which it was due to be staged provides a gap before the first planned race in Russia on September 25-27, with Sochi officials hoping to run a double-header.

With doubts, however, hanging over the event, F1 officials have been forced to seek alternatives, with Portimão leading the race to fill the gap as it fulfils a number of criteria.

Although the circuit opened in 2008, it has yet to stage a grand prix even though it holds the required grade 1 licence. It did hold an F1 test in 2009.

With the last grand prix in Portugal run at Estoril in 1996, a Portimão spokesperson said: “We confirm that conversations have been going on with F1, in order to host a GP this year at our circuit.

“We are fully committed in creating all the conditions that are needed for that to happen, and we believe our country and our circuit are the perfect venue for a new F1 race, the racetrack layout, the size of the circuit and its infrastructures.

"The fact that the Algarve has been almost Covid free, and the amazing weather and hotels, would surely create the perfect conditions for a great weekend.”

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