The A1GP World Cup of Motorsport is heading to Portugal for only the second time in its history and for the first time to the brand new Autódromo Internacional do Algarve circuit. The Vodafone A1GP Algarve, Portugal will be the host of round six of the series from 10-12 April 2009.
A1 Team Monaco is eager to arrive in Portugal for the closing stages of the 2008/9 season. A new track brings with it a new set of challenges and also the excitement of the unknown. The Autódromo Internacional do Algarve features 17 corners, with a generous downhill slope and right-hand turn following immediately after the main straight. The track looks set to provide some good overtaking opportunities and competitive racing when the A1GP circus comes to town.
The latest circuit on the A1GP calendar is 4,692 kms (2,915 miles) long and located in Portimão, Portugal. With a total cost of €195 million (approximately $250 million), the project includes a karting track, technology park, five-star hotel, sports complex and apartments. With a capacity of 100,000 spectators, 15,000 of which can be seated in the main grand stand, the facilities available for the fans promise to be second to none.
Construction was finished in October 2008 and the circuit was homologated by both the FIM and the FIA a few days later. The track has already begun to host a selection of top international motorsport events. A proven testing ground for Formula One at the end of 2008 and the beginning of this year, the circuit also hosted the final round of the Superbike World Championship last November. A night Sportscar event and an FIA GT round will also be held at the new Algarve circuit later in 2009.
Clivio Piccione, Driver and Seat-Holder, A1 Team Monaco: “It's been a long time since I was in the car and I can’t wait to get back to racing following our in results in South Africa. Everybody in the team has been working very hard on a lot of details to make sure that we arrive in Portugal in the best position possible. I have continued with a lot of training and had the chance to go on the simulator yesterday. It was my first taste of the Portimão track and I believe it will suit my driving style. I like the layout, the flow of the corners and so I am confident that we can do a good job next week - to maintain momentum and pick up where we left off in Kyalami.”
Graham Taylor, Team Principal, A1 Team Monaco: “It has been too long between championship rounds and Team Monaco is itching to get back to racing. We expect the success seen in Kyalami to be repeated in Portugal and are all hungry to experience the state-of-the-art venue in Portimão. It is always refreshing to experience a brand new circuit and Parc Algarve has to be congratulated on producing a race track for the brave and a facility fit for the highest levels of motorsport.”
