The roar of powerboats returns to the Arade River in Portimão in just a few a couple of weeks’ time.
The town is once again hosting the Grand Prix of Portugal, the first round of the F1H20 World Championship, bringing 18 elite drivers to the Algarve between April 21 and 23 (Friday-Sunday).
It is taking place three months earlier than last year, when it returned to Portimão after a five-year break.
The winner was Frenchman Philippe Chiappe while the only Portuguese competitor, Duarte Benavente, finished eighth.
For years Portimão was one of the sport’s most popular venues for teams and drivers, having hosted 13 successful Grand Prix from 1999 to 2011.
The event finally returned to the Algarve last year after “logistical issues” in Porto.
The races are known for attracting thousands of people to the town’s riverside and will likely serve as a boost to the local economy as Tuesday (April 25) is a national holiday and many Portuguese will be taking Monday off to enjoy a four-day holiday in the south.
For more information about the competition, visit www.f1h2o.com
By michael.bruxo@algarveresident.com
Article by kind permission of Portugal Resident
