Formula 1 immensely popular in Portugal: ''We have already sold 30,000 tickets''

On 25 October the Portuguese Grand Prix will take place in Portimao. A unique event, after Formula 1 had already been to Estoril a few times for the Portuguese GP. It is now clear that F1 is still alive and well in Portugal.

Formula 1 still immensely popular

After races at Boavista and Monsanto between 1958 and 1960, Formula 1 raced at Estoril for the first time in 1984. It turned out to be a success and until 1996 the Portuguese Grand Prix was on the F1 calendar. Despite the lack of a Portuguese F1 driver, the sport is still immensely popular in Southern Europe.

''We have a total of 90,000 places, but with the regulations we can occupy up to 50% of them, which means we can admit up to 45,000 fans a day,'' said Miguel Praia, event and commercial director of the circuit to XS2events.com.

F1 back to Portugal?

''In the first week it was really crazy selling tickets. F1 is so popular in Portugal and fans are very happy with the return of a race in their own country. At the moment (sales started in August) we have already sold 30,000 tickets and sold 95 percent of the business spots. With the summer holidays behind us we will pick up sales again."

 ''We know that this is a one-off opportunity to organise a special event for the teams, sponsors, organisers and fans. The Algarve is a great place for tourists and I'm sure everyone will enjoy visiting our circuit," concluded Praia.