After a five-year break, the roar of powerboats is to return to the Arade River in Portimão between July 29 and 31.
Organisers have confirmed that the Grand Prix of Portugal, the third round of the F1H20 World Championship 2016, is being moved back to the Algarve after “logistical issues” last year’s event in Porto.
“We are glad to be able to maintain an all-important second country location in Europe, thanks to the enormous interest shown and support of the Associação Turismo de Portimão (ATP),” said Lavinia Cavallero, the vice-president of one of the event’s promoters Idea Marketing, stressing that powerboat racing has a “long-standing tradition in Portugal and a big following countrywide”.
Portimão was one of the sport’s most popular venues for teams and drivers, having hosted 13 successful Grand Prix from 1999 to 2011.
“The return to Portimão will be welcome news to several current team managers and drivers including the sport’s most successful driver – 10-time world champion and now team manager with Abu Dhabi, Guido Cappellini,” Idea Marketing added.
Portimão’s powerboat races were known for attracting thousands of people to the town’s riverside area.
The F1H20 World Championship started in Dubai on March 4, and will continue on June 17 in Evian, France before returning to Portimão in July.
For more information about the competition, visit www.f1h2o.com
Photo: Powerboat racing in Portimão in 2007
