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news
09 Feb 2008
Official presentation of the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve took place today in Portimão
The presentation ceremony of the future Autódromo Internacional do Algarve was held today in Portimão, in the land where the project is to be built.
The presentation was presided by the Minister of the Economy and Innovation, Dr. Manuel Pinho, the Secretary of State for Youth and Sport, Dr. Laurentino Dias, the Mayor of Portimão, Dr. Manuel da Luz and the Project Director, engineer Paulo Pinheiro. The presentation aimed to unveil the initiative and identify its importance for tourism and economic prosperity at the national level and above all in the Algarve.
Dr. Manuel Pinho, Minister of the Economy and Innovation, stated: “When this project is completed in late October, I'm certain the number of visitors to our country will increase. Whereas we recorded a record level of visitors in 2007, this number is certain to increase in the future as a result of this new asset. This project will have a significant impact on the local economy and therefore also on the national economy”.
Laurentino Dias, Secretary of State for Youth and Sport emphasised: “The government will undoubtedly dedicate all its efforts to ensuring that Portugal forms part of the top world championship circuit. This private initiative will benefit Portuguese sport as a whole, and everyone involved deserves sincere congratulations for implementing such an ambitious and valuable project”.
Manuel da Luz, Mayor of Portimão emphasised the importance of this project for the development of the Algarve region: “1200 new jobs will be created - which is undoubtedly of vital importance. The fact that the Autódromo is located outside the coastal zone will mean that greater value will be placed on the interior of the Algarve. This project will also make it possible to combat factors of seasonality. There are a wide array of advantages”.
For Paulo Pinheiro, the mastermind behind the initiative, it represents a dream come true. After seven years of commitment and dedication to the project, it has finally reached the implementation stage: “Building works are on schedule. In October the circuit will be completed, in order to enable us to inaugurate it with the Superbikes competition. We are also concluding negotiations to host A1 GP within our technology park. We are convinced that this project will constitute an asset not only for the Algarve region but also for Portugal as a whole”.
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