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Portugal Property: Right on track

Date: 15/9/2008

The Autódromo Internacional, one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken in the Algarve, is set to open on schedule in October

 

The largest racetrack project in Europe, set to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to the region, is fast taking shape in the countryside inland from Alvôr, in the western Algarve.

 

Covering an area of 300 hectares, the complex represents an investment of some 200 million euros. It will be completed by the end of October in time to stage the Portuguese leg of the Superbike World Championship on 2 November.

 

Only by seeing the construction effort first hand is it truly possible to appreciate the scale of the development. Some 1,200 people have been working two shifts per day since work commenced in September 2007 and according to the developers, it is both on schedule and on budget.

 

36 year-old Paulo Pinheiro is the driving force behind the project, and CEO of the development company Parkalgar S.A. A mechanical engineer, Pinheiro launched his career in property development together with his partner Manuel Niza.

 

There were some initial difficulties overcoming environmental issues but since breaking ground they have very quietly progressed to make this highly ambitious project a reality.

 

What is surprising about a project of this scale is just how little publicity it has received.

 

But, as Pinheiro told Essential Algarve, this has been intentional. "We are in no rush to promote the project at this stage," he said. "We are happy for people to stand up and take notice of what we have created and let the finished product talk for itself."

 

But there is no doubt how important this development will become to the region.

 

The track is already approved by the FIA for Formula 1 but Pinheiro’s objective has never been to bring F1 racing to the Algarve. "We are fully equipped to stage events of any scale," he emphasized. "But the Government would have to take the initiative to bring Formula 1 back to Portugal."

 

The track is also fully approved by the FIM for Moto Grand Prix and as he explained there are various categories of motor sports that have an even more loyal following than Formula 1 and attract live TV coverage and draw millions of viewers around the world.

 

There is a lot more to the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve (or Algarve Motor Park as it will also be known), than just the racing circuit. It is an integrated tourism, leisure and business development that will become a thriving community and provide direct employment for some 1500 people.

 

There are five main components to the overall project: the autodrome itself, a go-kart track, a technological park known as the "Avant Garde Innovation Centre", a 5-star hotel and apartment resort operated by the Radisson group, and a sports complex.

 

The Autodrome – Opening October 26, 2008

 

Directly accessed from the A22 and 40 minutes drive from Faro Airport. The racetrack offers a choice of 64 different circuits ranging in length from 3,465 to 4,699 metres and is capable of staging all categories of world championship racing cars and bikes. Grandstand capacity is a total of 90,337, with 65,633 seated places in the main grandstand, a further 14,704 in the circular VIP grandstand and 10,000 standing places.

 

When not in use for racing events, the track will be available for other uses such as test driving for car and motorbike companies. A selection of high powered cars will also be available for members of the public to try their had on the track with expert tuition available.

 

The Kartodrome - Opening July 2009

 

The Kartodrómo Internacional do Algarve is a multi-use go kart racing circuit and one of the largest facilities of its kind in Europe. National and international championships will be held on the track and the facility will also hire karts to amateurs. The facility will also house Portugal’s first racing academy in addition to shops, restaurants, stands and boxes.

 

The Avant Garde Innovation Centre - Opening July 2009

 

This facility with some 70.000m2 has been planned primarily to accommodate companies operating in the motoring sector – car, bike, tyre, fuel and lubricants manufacturers. The facility will be fitted with state-of-the-art technical support such as fiber optic networks and will function in close relation with the circuit. This will allow research and development in real time and low cost. The park is also open to other areas of business that can benefit from the technology and facilities available on-site.

 

Radisson Hotel - Opening July 2009

 

Offering full resort and conference facilities, the 200-room hotel will provide accommodation for visitors, racing teams and journalists plus unique facilities for car and motorbike launches providing the ability to test vehicles on track as well as on public roads. A further 160 resort apartments with 1, 2, 3 or 4 bedrooms will offer self-catering accommodation.

 

Sports complex - Opening July 2009

 

The 16.000m2 sports complex is being developed to accommodate sporting, business and leisure clients and will also host sport competitions. Facilities will include a modern gymnasium, spa, pools, squash courts and football fields. Other facilities will include a sports clinic and physical coaching for elite athletes. Source: Essencial Algarve

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