Circuito da Boavista – Oporto

When was the track built?

Boavista is the first circuit to host a race in Portugal (in 1951) and the first ever Portuguese Formula One GP in 1958, but it was used also in the 1930s for car racing.
The 1950s original layout was an anticlockwise 7.75km going up the hill and coming back down in Avenida Guimaraes and Avenida da Boavista.
It hasn’t been used until 2005 for a few revival historic races and WTCC.
It perfectly fits the spirit of the new F1, bringing back to life historic circuits and increasing the diversity in the calendar, therefore the new 5km layout, designed by me, with new temporary paddock, pit and garages will be ready for 2023.

When was its first Grand Prix?

The first titled race was held in 1958, won by Stirling Moss Vanwall, also started from pole; it will rotate with other three circuits of the country.

What’s the circuit like?

It has all the ingredients of the old fashion road course, despite the modern facilities.
It goes gently downhill after turn 17, using a section of the motorway as main straight, with two fast bends similarly to Baku.
A short first sector with a particular turn 5 in front of the Castle leads to the historic Avenida da Boavista, a 1.3km straight, cut by two chicanes, where the uphill starts.
Finally the most challenging section, with some fast but sharp corners in narrower roads.
One of the best examples of what the new Formula One is trying to achieve: bringing the sport in most possible places, honor its tradition and create interest by rotating different tracks.

Where is it located?

In the north-west area of Oporto, district of Aldoar, Foz do Douro e Nevogilde, around Porto City Park, 15 km south of the airport.  (+ 41°10’09”, – 8°41’09”)