Formula 1 will return to Portugal after 24 years. This time the race will be held at the Algarve circuit in Portimao. Miguel Praia, the circuit's event and commercial director, underlined that fans had shown a significant interest towards the Grand Prix.  Praia, interviewed by Autosport and XS2 Event, remarked that sales had gone crazy as Formula 1 is extremely popular in Portugal.

"In the first week we went online with our ticket sales, it was crazy,"

“Formula 1 is so popular in Portugal and the fans are very eager to attend the event as F1 returns to our country.”

"At the moment we have sold over 30,000 seats already and 95% of our corporate boxes are sold out. Now the summer holidays have ended, we expect sales to pick up again with a final boost."

"We know this is a one-time opportunity at the moment, however we will do our best to make this a very special event for the teams, sponsors, the organisers and the fans to enjoy our facilities and to enjoy the Algarve," he said.

Praia continued, pointing out that the circuit has not previously held any Formula 1 race because of the high race fee asked by Formula One Management.

"We have been in touch with Formula One Management before to host a Grand Prix, but to be honest the fee to welcome F1 was a showstopper for us," he said.

"Corona has changed the world now though, and because of that both Formula 1 and Dorna Sports were interested to visit the Algarve."