Portugal is caught in a bind. The best place for a race for Portuguese MotoGP fans is probably the Estoril circuit just west of the capital Lisbon. Though the track is a bit tight in parts, it sits at the bottom of the stunning historic town of Sintra, close to the coast near Cascais, and within reach of millions of people. Rumors abound that one day, MotoGP will go back there.
Or they can head to Portimão. A modern circuit, opened in 2008, with superb facilities and a great, wide layout. Though it is not near a major conurbation, it sits on the Algarve coast – hence the name, Autódromo Internacional do Algarve – with ample accommodation everywhere, readily available as the race is usually held in the off season.
Portimão has been the destination for MotoGP since 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic massively restricted the options for international sports. And it has proved relatively popular, with much greater attendance figures than Estoril achieved in its final years. For the past two years, Portimão has had some 70,000 fans turn up on Sundays.
Elevation, elevation, elevation
