Portimao gets FIA Grade 1 licence - now certified for F1

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The Algarve International Circuit located at Portimao has been awarded a Grade 1 licence by the FIA, a certification that makes the Portuguese venue eligible for Formula 1.

The modern facility, which was opened in 2008, has undergone a series of renovations that have allowed it to upgrade its homologation status and potentially target a return of F1 to Portugal.

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Shortly after its opening in October of 2008, Portimao welcomed to its new track several F1 teams which organized private tests at the facility which is geographically ideally located for winter testing.

Over the past decade, Portimao's 4.6km circuit has hosted many International races such as rounds of the FIA WTCC series, the FIA GT Championship, the Le Mans Series, the World Series by Renault or the World Superbike Championship.

Portugal last hosted an F1 Grand Prix in 1996 at Estoril, a venue which enjoyed a 13-year presence on the F1 calendar.

Portimao's situation relatively far from the nearest airport may not make it a prime candidate for F1, while the facility's potential ambition of hosting a Grand Prix would obviously need to be supported by adequate funding, an unlikely prospect in the near-term given the sport's current crisis.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.