Estoril

The Estoril Circuit stands as one of Portugal's most famous motorsport venues. Located in Alcabideche near the coastal town of Cascais, just 9 kilometers from Estoril and close to Lisbon, this track has played a significant role in European racing history. Officially named Autódromo Fernanda Pires da Silva, the circuit opened on June 17, 1972, and quickly became a fixture in international motorsport.

Circuit Layout and Technical Features

The Estoril track measures 4.182 kilometers (2.599 miles) in length, featuring 13 challenging turns - 9 right-handers and 4 left-handers. Its most distinctive feature is the 986-meter main straight, which leads into the famous Turn 1, now known as Senna Corner or Parabolica Interior. This sharp right-hander has created countless overtaking opportunities throughout the circuit's history. The track varies in width from 10 to 18 meters, with significant elevation changes reaching gradients of nearly 7%. These elevation shifts, combined with a mix of fast flowing sections and technical corners, create a demanding test for both drivers and motorcyclists.

Racing History

Estoril gained international fame as the home of the Formula One Portuguese Grand Prix from 1984 to 1996. The circuit witnessed several historic moments, including Niki Lauda securing his third world championship in 1984 by just half a point. Perhaps most famously, Ayrton Senna claimed his first Formula One victory here in 1985 during a rain-soaked race that showcased his exceptional wet-weather skills. The track later hosted MotoGP from 2000 to 2012 and continues to hold World Superbike Championship rounds to this day.

Notable Track Sections

Beyond Senna Corner, other challenging sections include Turn 4 (Ferradura), a sweeping left-hander that tests car balance; Turn 10 (Bico da Seda), a tricky downhill right-hander; and Turn 13 (Juncão/Galp Corner), a high-speed right that leads back onto the main straight. The circuit's blend of fast straights, technical corners, and elevation changes has made it popular with drivers and teams for testing and competition alike.

Circuit Evolution

Estoril has undergone several modifications throughout its lifetime. Following the 1994 safety improvements in Formula One after Ayrton Senna's death, a chicane was added to slow cars down. In 2000, the Parabolica turn was redesigned, reducing the track length to its current 4.182 kilometers to meet FIM homologation standards. A partial resurfacing in 2018 allowed the "Tanque" corner to return to use. The facility now includes a 24,500 square meter paddock area and 30 garages.

Current Status

Today, the circuit holds FIA Grade 1 status, allowing it to host Formula One events, though it hasn't done so since 1996. The state-owned track continues to host major international competitions including World Superbike Championship rounds, European Le Mans Series events, and historic racing gatherings like the Estoril Classic. With a capacity of 45,000 spectators, it remains Portugal's premier racing venue. The circuit still presents the same character that made it famous - a challenging track that rewards precision, bravery, and technical skill.