Portimao in talks with F1 to host 2020 grand prix

Yet to confirm the calendar beyond the opening eight races, F1 bosses have stated their intention to hold at least 15 grands prix in the COVID-19 affected season.

Particularly after the cancellation of Azerbaijan, Singapore and Japan on Friday, additional circuits are being considered in Europe, with the Portuguese track the latest to join the list.

“We are in contact with FOM and in strong negotiations,” a spokesperson told

“For now nothing is confirmed, but we know that there is a lot of willingness among the teams that Portugal be chosen for the calendar and we are working very hard and doing everything we can to have the F1 in our race track.

The winners of a by F1 asking fans what circuit they most wanted to see added to the calendar, the spokesman reiterated that the Algarve circuit is an ideal location for F1 in 2020.

“We are the option that everyone wants, from the location, the track, the large facilities that allow greater safety distance, the climate, the hotels and the reduced impact in the country of COVID-19.

"Any decision only will be made in July.”

Should the race go ahead, it would be the first Portuguese Grand Prix since 1996, when the sport raced at Estoril. Portimao has never been used for a F1 race, but played host for two tests in 2008 and 2009.