FIA happy with Portimão F1 preparation progress

FIA race director Michael Masi has declared the upgrades at Portimão are "progressing extremely well" ahead of Formula 1's maiden visit to the Algarve.

F1 has not raced in Portugal since 1996 after a 13-year spell at Estoril, but the country is back on the calendar following F1's remarkable efforts in securing a number of races across Europe at new or previously used tracks in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Along with the Nürburgring, Istanbul and Mugello, Portimão was added as races in Asia and the Americas were ruled out.

In preparation for the visit of F1, the circuit has undergone a series of upgrades, including resurfacing and the installation of new trackside barriers.

“With regard to Portimão, from all the works and all the images that I have seen and reports I have received, everything is progressing extremely well on a number of areas, not just the resurfacing but with the number of barrier upgrades and safety requirements and so forth," said Masi.

“So I’m more than happy with what I’ve seen from that perspective."

Masi was further questioned on the policing of track limits after Williams driver George Russell raised concerns based upon his previous experience at the venue in F3.

Although the first corner, a downhill 85-degree right-hander, was given special mention, Masi confirmed the FIA would be continuing to take a tough stance.

“Regarding track limits, turn one won’t be the only location that we’ve got a possibility there," added Masi.

"However, we have put some elements in place to try and manage those as best we can for the event.”

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