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Return of Formula 1 in double shot at the Estoril Circuit


 

The event organized by ATC - Tourism Association of Cascais – Portugal, will once again be a landmark event in the international panorama of lovers of historical vehicles, combining in the same weekend several competitions in Circuit and Rally, plus an Elegance contest. These were the main draws for the interest of the 65,000 spectators who attended the 2018 event, coming from all over Europe, and this number is expected to be surpassed in 2019.

At the Estoril Circuit, the 2019 edition will feature a set of high quality track races, in addition to many surprises for the whole family that the paddock will reveal.

On track, more than 150 historical competition cars, valued at around 40 million euros, and teams representing more than 20 different nationalities, will compete over two days in a complete program that includes 14 races.

The Queen F1

The most emblematic event will be the F1 Classic, where unforgettable Formula 1 up to 1984 will adorn the curves of the Estoril Circuit. Brands such as Lotus, McLaren, Tyrrell, Williams or Hesketh may not mean much to the younger ones, but the audiences who had witnessed, in Estoril, on television, or around the world, the incredible fights between these cars in the late 1970s and early 1980s, will have a chance to rekindle all those memories. This is an unique opportunity to relive glorious moments in the long and esteemed history of Formula 1, of the time when talented drivers such as James Hunt, Emerson Fittipaldi, Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell or Airton Senna ruled the tracks. is. Decked in the bright colors of the sponsorships of the time, these machines with more than 500hp offer an engaging and enthralling spectacle, both for the occasional spectator and for the greatest enthusiasts of Formula 1.

However, the big news for the 2019 edition will be a new Formula 1 race, for models up to 1966. The Historic Grand Prix Cars Association (HGPCA) will return to the Estoril Circuit with their Formula 1 from the decade 1950, a time of pure driving where there were no aerodynamic appendages, wind tunnels, slick tires and not even sponsorships. A time when only engineers of great talent were linked with fierce pilots, willing to sacrifice their lives for the glory of their brand and country. Maserati 250F, Alfa Romeo P3, Lotus 16 or Cooper T43 are some of the rare models evaluated in millions of euros that will be in competition during this event in the Estoril Circuit.

What's new in Sports Cars

In order to enhance an already extraordinary program, Estoril Classics will host, for the first time in Portugal, the exclusive 1000km Sports Cars competition, which will allow spectators the opportunity to see the GT´s which ran in the World Championship of Sportscars between 1964 and 1974. This is where the dramatic Lola T70, the Chevron B19, the GRD and others are expected to make their appearance. Some may not recall it, but this race will mean a lot to the Portuguese, as the grid will be populated with cars very similar to those which participated in the inauguration of the Estoril Circuit and in the competitions oat Vila Real, in Angola and Mozambique in the early 70's.

FIA Junior Formula Championship returns to Estoril

After having been absent last year, the Formula Junior Historic Racing Association (FJHRA) brings us the FIA Lurani Trophy (created in 1995). With extremely disputed races and teams from the four corners of the planet, the formation of the grid is a fantastic recreation of the Grand Prix season of 1959-1963. This prestigious competition is also present annually at the Goodwood Circuit Revival Meeting and at the most important world racing events. One of the most competitive series of "Historic Racing", it always delivers very contested races, even more this time since this will be the last scoring race for the World Championship.

The charm of Iberian Historic Endurance

The charm of the already iconic Iberian Historic Endurance for Touring and GTs cars until 1976, will also be present and promises to enliven the tracks with several fights along the dense peloton, always with a great

dose of sportsmanship between the teams. The award-winning competition, one of the top five at European level, is back in Estoril and features several Portuguese teams.

The Iberian Historic Endurance, for Touring and Grand Touring cars like the Alfa Romeo GTA, Porsche 911 or Jaguar E-Type, excel at the level of preparation and quality of the models, being the perfect way to remember the endurance events of the time.

Relive the National Group 1

The national competition that recreates the early 80s, when races were lively, includes almost standard-size cars, such as the ever-competitive Ford Escort, but there is a great diversity of sports models of the era, such as the Ford Capri, VW Golf GTi and the BMW 2002, which never shy away from getting involved in victorious disputes. The Mini Mighty Trophy, racing among Group1, is always a pleasure to watch, with its unmistakable silhouette, and the Datsun 1200 from the Production Cup also gives us fights until the end of the race, which makes it a more emotional experience for the public.

The two wheels also celebrate

The lovers of the two wheels will also have great reasons to rejoice. Spirit of Speed - Europe's largest club of classic road bikes - will bring to Estoril more than 40 competitive bikes. The FIM (International Motorcycle Federation) will join the party and take advantage of one of the biggest historical vehicles events to celebrate its 70th Anniversary. More information about this important celebration will be revealed in a timely manner.

Animation in the Circuit

The paddock will be another source of interest during the event, with a space dedicated to all the fans and to all the families that simply want to spend a great weekend, to enjoy the outdoor seating of the several restaurants present, or do some shopping related to motorsport and this event, at several merchandising stands.

In the paddock there will also be various activities, such as a shopping area, simulators and a varied offer of "street-food”, thus providing the public the ideal conditions to spend two days in direct contact with motorsport, but diversifying the attractions of the event in order to appeal to several publics.

In addition to free access to benches A and B, the organization has available limited paddock tickets, which allow fans to be close to cars, drivers and teams. The Food & Brand Village will be also available to the public with a paddock ticket, which is already on sale at FNAC, Worten, El Corte Inglés, CTT or via the official website.