Official 2020 Portugal Grand Prix Thread **SPOILERS**

[suffolk009]

I'm familiar with Potimao from all those McLaren videos. It was also the circuit they used on the GT episode with the P1, 918 and LaFerrari with Clarkson in the P1 getting a bit puckered at the end of the straight because he'd turned the airbrake off.

[NoddyonNitrous]

tertius said:

Here's a real video of a lap - bit slower of course, K-series Elise!

https://vimeo.com/20319560

That look a great circuit. The blind bits will be even worse from a lower seating position. I'm looking forward to this!

[Dr Interceptor]

I'm setting off tonight... We have a villa at the top of Boavista, just the other side of Lagos, so only about 15-20mins from the circuit.

Overnight ferry to Caen tonight, then driving down, should arrive at the villa Wednesday afternoon, all being well.

I saw the news in the Portugal Resident that they've cut the number of tickets, so will see what happens.

Https://www.portugalresident.com/f1-tickets-return...

[Oilchange]

I fly in to Faro on Friday with my young-un, staying in Portimao. Cannot wait!

[Fortitude]

SpudLink said:

You may have found the solution to getting fans to watch races live.

That may be the way forward indeed, with perhaps a PistonHeads airship...

[Fortitude]

Dr Interceptor said:

I'm setting off tonight... We have a villa at the top of Boavista, just the other side of Lagos, so only about 15-20mins from the circuit.

Overnight ferry to Caen tonight, then driving down, should arrive at the villa Wednesday afternoon, all being well.

I saw the news in the Portugal Resident that they've cut the number of tickets, so will see what happens.

Https://www.portugalresident.com/f1-tickets-return...

PLEASE keep us updated with the F1 diary of the Grand Prix.

[TheDeuce]

Fortitude said:

SpudLink said:

You may have found the solution to getting fans to watch races live.

That may be the way forward indeed, with perhaps a PistonHeads airship...

It's a good plan right up until the time the medical helicopter needs to take off and there are 5000 balloons above

[Derek Smith]

poosemon said:

For anyone unfamiliar with the circuit, he's a virtual onboard;

Link Here

Thanks for that.

I could almost believe it was real, except for the fact that it's a Ferrari, and there are no cars in front of it.

[Gazzab]

TheDeuce said:

It's a good plan right up until the time the medical helicopter needs to take off and there are 5000 balloons above

I have checked the rules. There is no mention of balloons only fog and mist. Helicopter will be fine. And anyway it’s only me and my one balloon. It’s the airforce I am more worried about.

Edited by Gazzab on Monday 19th October 21:10

[Allyc85]

Looking forward to seeing F1 on this track. Though very surprised that they aren't using the tighter T1, which would make passing a tiny bit easier.

[TheDeuce]

Allyc85 said:

Looking forward to seeing F1 on this track. Though very surprised that they aren't using the tighter T1, which would make passing a tiny bit easier.

I know. But now with DRS, the 2019 improvements and such a tight field passing actually hasn't been an issue at most of the places it's predicted to be this year or last. In fact, there has been more passing than ever I'd guess - although not certain on the stats on that one.

Also the general mix in performance form the established order each time F1 goes to a 'new' circuit this season has been excellent

[moffspeed]

I think we’ll see plenty of overtaking this weekend, to add to the show we are having a week of thundery showers on the Algarve, improvement by Friday but possibly back to showers on Sunday.

Another cloud on the horizon - local media are now suggesting that the DGS will impose a limit of 27,500 spectators at the circuit - Covid cases have rocketed over here in the last 2 weeks or so.

With (allegedly) 46,000 ticket sales this will leave nearly 20,000 people very disappointed - but how and when do the authorities make the selection ??

Edited by moffspeed on Tuesday 20th October 09:23

[TheDeuce]

moffspeed said:

I think we’ll see plenty of overtaking this weekend, to add to the show we are having a week of thundery showers on the Algarve, improvement by Friday but possibly back to showers on Sunday.

Another cloud on the horizon - local media are now suggesting that the DGS will impose a limit of 27,500 spectators at the circuit - Covid cases have rocketed over here in the last 2 weeks or so.

With (allegedly) 46,000 ticket sales this will leave nearly 20,000 people very disappointed - but how and when do you make the selection ??

Hopefully not 'first come first served' at the gates.. Or Melbourne style, pack em in by the gates with no social distancing concern and then tell them they can't come in because it's dangerous to sit next to one another

the lack of official decisions this late on must be a concern for those travelling. When there are rumours but nothing official it gives the impression that the officials are all locked away bickering about what the solution might be. Not good at the 11th hour - and without committing to a plan ahead of time, the pressure of time could force the decision to not allow any spectators in. Which would be cruel and pointless as many will already be travelling in regardless at this point.

According to the quotes in this article the option under consideration is to ban spectators if needed, and now an alternative option 'may' be to reduce numbers instead: https://f1i.com/news/387274-portuguese-gp-may-be-f...

[moffspeed]

Such a big shame that there will be no F2/F3 support this weekend, the under-card has provided some spectacular racing this year.

Don’t forget F2 has “previous” at Portimao. In its previous GP2 guise a stand-alone race was held at the circuit in 2009 - a young Mr Hulkenberg taking the spoils....

[Fortitude]

Gazzab said:

TheDeuce said:

It's a good plan right up until the time the medical helicopter needs to take off and there are 5000 balloons above

I have checked the rules. There is no mention of balloons only fog and mist. Helicopter will be fine. And anyway it’s only me and my one balloon. It’s the airforce I am more worried about.

Edited by Gazzab on Monday 19th October 21:10

PLEASE keep us all informed on Pistonheads.

Gazzab, this will add an extra dimension to race weekend. Some pictures and 'part' diary of events would be great.

A PistonHeads exclusive 'special report' from Gazzab in his airship...

[iandc]

Massive thunderstorm and torrential rain here at the moment but forecast to improve by Friday. Still the position of the track in the hills might mean sporadic heavy rain just to liven things up a bit.Still very confusing regarding crowd size allowed in.

[Dr Interceptor]

Ferry arrived in Caen at 7.15 this morning French time, and after a full day stretching the Mustangs legs, I’m in Burgos in northern Spain. 1050km covered, 950km to get to the villa tomorrow. Should be there for late lunch!

[paulguitar]

Dr Interceptor said:

Ferry arrived in Caen at 7.15 this morning French time, and after a full day stretching the Mustangs legs, I’m in Burgos in northern Spain. 1050km covered, 950km to get to the villa tomorrow. Should be there for late lunch!

That's good going.

[TheDeuce]

Finally an answer for those attending: https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/152913/portugues...

All GA tickets holders out of luck, only those with a booked seat in the stands will be allowed in.

That's about 20,000 very frustrated people then..

[kambites]

TheDeuce said:

That's about 20,000 very frustrated people then..

I guess anyone buying tickets for sporting events this year must have been aware there was a high risk of this happening. Hopefully they can get their money back, at least.