In a region that is dominated by football pitches, the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve sticks out like a beacon of motorsport majesty.
Nestled discreetly within the foothills of the Monchique mountains, most tourists would barely be aware of its existence, but, in the past few years, this marvellous racetrack has been home to Formula 1 MotoGP and the World Superbikes (to name but a few). You can imagine my excitement when I was offered a behind-the-scenes tour by sportscar racing team ‘United Autosports’. I eagerly accepted and headed up to the hills.
The construction of the track was only finished in 2008, but the cost was reported to be just 195 million€ – not bad by modern budgetary standards. It is a little over 4.5km making it one of the shorter circuits on the FIA international calendar, but its undulating nature also makes it one of the most exciting. Considering that Formula 1 cars are capable of around 350kph (220mph), any driver at this circuit needs to have nerves of steel.
Today, however, it is not the sight of the track that is the most impressive, but rather the sound. I am greeted by a thunderous roar that echoes across the hills. Nothing can really prepare you for the sheer volume, but United Autosports marketing manager Scarlett Whittell is on hand with some earplugs and the answers to all my questions. We make our way through the tunnel that takes us to the inside of the track for the start of my tour.
Scarlett tells me that United Autosports are “one of the fastest growing motorsport companies in the UK” and race across a wide range of categories. Their drivers have included the likes of Fernando Alonso and Lando Norris. The “business”, as she puts it, also specialises in the restoration of classic cars and has its hand in other commercial entities such as race suits, helmets and sustainable paint technology that they say will “revolutionise the way vehicles are presented”. Today though, it is the turn of the European Le Mans Series Championship, a four-hour event that uses three drivers per car. The team will run three cars and are previous winners of the race, so hopes are high.
Inside the paddock, we are greeted by a polished procession of neatly-parked vehicles that make up the travelling motorsport family. Buses are lined up with meticulous symmetry, all emblazoned with distinctive colours and logos from their respective sponsors. Motorsport is an entertainment business, but without its benefactors, there would be little on offer. That said, it feels far from corporate. There is an impressive sense of pride and identity. Drivers zip by on electric scooters whilst burly men wheel enormous tyres destined for the next pit stop.
Which is where we head next – to the pits. There is a noticeable change of mood as this is where the serious stuff takes place. Television monitors show live lap times whilst the pit lane crew are poised, ready for the arrival of the next car. We don’t have to wait long before the throaty roar of a 4.2 litre V8 engine comes into view. Tyres are changed with lightning efficiency as the driver steps out and calmly removes his helmet. Aside from a little perspiration, his face gives scant indication that he has just been driving at over 300kph.
We step away to meet one of the co-owners of United Autosports, former racing driver Richard Dean. Richard tells me that the company was born in 2010 from relatively humble beginnings as a GT (Grand Tourer) team. Looking at the entourage that surrounds him now, there is no doubt that his team is a great success, regardless of their result today. His tone is friendly and unruffled, something that seems to be inherent in all drivers.
Scarlett escorts me up to one of the grandstands to watch some of the action. It is immediately apparent how steep some of the slopes are. Between turns 10 and 12, the rise in elevation is around twelve metres before it drops away by a staggering sixteen metres. It is not just the speed of the cars that is impressive, but their ability to break so late at the corners. As for the race itself, United Autosports’ car number 2 finished third, but there is no doubt they will come back stronger and their name is here to stay.
The Autódromo Internacional do Algarve is a marvellous addition to the region. In 2022, it attracted over a million visitors with 355 days of track occupancy. There is a separate karting track, a technology park, a sports complex and even a five-star hotel. The word about town is that Formula 1 will be returning again in 2023. Negotiations have already begun. Motorsport enthusiasts everywhere will be hoping that it does, as it is an exciting and popular track for both fans and drivers alike. Just don’t forget your earplugs.
Did you know?
The European Le Mans Series is a sports car ‘endurance’ series inspired by the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. The race lasts for four hours and each car has three drivers. The 2023 season will visit six tracks across Europe and finish in Portugal.
www.europeanlemansseries.com/en
Photos © United Autosports
