Formula 1 confirms May 2 Portuguese GP at Portimão

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Formula 1 has confirmed that the Portuguese Grand Prix, the third round of the 2021 F1 world championship, will take place at Portimão on May 2.

The Algarve International Circuit hosted its first F1 race last October following a rejiggling of the disrupted 2020 calendar due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The race was open to 27,000 fans and Portimão is working with the Portuguese government to allow spectators to fill its grandstands in May.

"We are thrilled to announce that Formula 1 will be racing again in Portimao after the huge success of the race last year," said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.

"We want to thank the promoter and the Portuguese Government for their hard work and dedication in getting us to this point.

"We are confident and excited about our 2021 season, having shown last year that we could deliver 17 races safely and bring our millions of fans thrilling racing at a difficult time.

"We hope to welcome fans to Portimao again this season in a safe way and are working with the promoter on the details of that plan."

Read also: Bahrain GP to welcome only vaccinated or Covid-recovered fans

This year's record 23-race season which will kick off in Bahrain on March 28 will feature three events during the month of May, with Portimão followed a week later by Barcelona on May 9 and by F1's return to Monaco on May 23.

Check out the complete 2021 F1 calendar and all race schedules here.

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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.