Layout: Fictitious (designed by me) – © 2020 AllAlongTheRacetrack
When was the track built?
The Autódromo de Benguela was the first permanent circuit to open in Angola in 1972, to replace the street circuit of Praia Morena. The 4 km layout had originally no facilities and its strength was its great location, close to the Ocean.
Sadly, all motorsport activities suffered from the decades of civil war that Angola faced until 2002, and only few sporadic events have been done before definitive abandoning.
With the new F1 organization a new circuit, inspired by the original layout, designed by me, with modern standards and part of a wider real estate project, will be developed in the same lot to re-launch its history and the economy in the area.
When was its first Grand Prix?
No F1 GP has ever been held in Angola. This circuit will rotate with the other two of the country for a slot in the World and Continental Championships.
What’s the circuit like?
The circuit has kept the old-school feel; it is very technical, despite its only 10 corners, with a faster section up to Turn 5, which is very similar to the original layout.
The new middle sectors has a couple of tricky long-radius sweeping curves where the ideal line is critical for the lap time.
In the final sector there is a tight chicane which is also one of the two best overtaking spots and features also the long banked final corner (up to 20°), ideal to send cars to the long main straight side-to-side.
Turn 7 has also a significant banking, all traits that make this circuit a mix of the old Mexico City and the modern Zandvoort.
Pits and paddock facilities are now moved on the longer.
Where is it located?
It is located on the outskirts of Benguela, towards the rear of the city’s new multi-plex cinema and adjacent to the airport(- 12°36’19”, + 13°23’19”)
All Along The Racetrack 