The Country
Capital:
Lisbon Population: 11
million Currency:
Euro
Portugal is Europe's westernmost mainland country, located on the
Iberian peninsula in the west of Spain. Portugal can lay claim to
be Europe's oldest nation-state, with its modern borders having
been stabilised as early as 1249. It has a rich and diverse culture
as a result of the global empire it established in the 15th and
16th centuries, whilst Roman and Muslim buildings and traditions
still survive in places. The country's climate is somewhat divided
between the north and south of the country, although in general it
has a Mediterranean climate and is one of the warmest countries in
Europe.
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information
Algarve - Why Go?
One of Portugal's most obvious draws is its fantastic
climate, with an average annual temperature of around 18 degrees
Celsius in the south - which can rise to 50 degrees in the summer!
Whilst the north is slightly more mountainous and therefore
temperate, the Algarve, located in the very south of the country,
is characterised by rolling plains and a hot, humid climate. The
fluctuations in weather reflect the dramatic differences in
Portugal's geography, with beaches, mountains, forests and sweeping
plains all on offer. The country also boasts a rich culture,
heavily influenced from its historical traditions of naval
discovery and colonisation, whilst their wines and cuisine have
gained international recognition.
Portugal's broad appeal had led to a booming tourism industry in
recent years, and indeed tourism makes up the bulk of the Algarve
region's economy - with the population more than doubling due to
the influx of visitors in the summer months. The warm climate also
proves valuable for the newly constructed Autódromo
Internacional do Algarve circuit in Portimão, which has been
used as a test venue for various Formula One teams due to the mild
winter climate. The track itself has attracted rave reviews for its
undulating nature and its blend of high speed straights with
sweeping corners, and is fast becoming one of Portugal's most
popular tracks for drivers and fans alike.
Useful Information
Temperatures can often soar in the Algarve due to its
southerly position, and with F2 visiting the circuit in July, sun
cream and sensible protection is advisable. The region often
experiences huge booms in population in the summer months due to an
influx of tourists, so booking accommodation early is
advisable.
The region coincides with the Faro district of Portugal,
benefiting from Faro's international airport as a direct
consequence. The circuit has good road links with the A22 highway
running in close proximity, whilst trains run regularly to the
centre of Portimão roughly six kilometres away.
Formula Two will make its first visit to Portugal when the
series visits the Algarve for rounds seven and eight of 2010 -
the midpoint of the season. Tickets can be purchased online, and
are available from €13.
To book tickets, click here.
Saturday 3 July - Race 1
UK - Eurosport - LIVE: 13:00 - 14:00 (UK)
International - Eurosport - LIVE: 14:00 - 15:00
(CET)
Asia Pacific - Eurosport - LIVE: 14:00 - 15:00
(CET)
Worldwide - www.formulatwo.com - F2TV LIVE: 14:00
(CET); 13:00 (UK)
Sunday 4 July - Race 2
UK - Eurosport - DELAYED: 19:00 - 19:45
(UK)
International - Eurosport 2 - LIVE: 14:00 - 15:00
(CET)
Asia Pacific - Eurosport - DELAYED: 23:30 - 24:15
(CET)
Worldwide - www.formulatwo.com - F2TV LIVE: 14:00
(CET); 13:00 (UK time)
NB: All times subject to change - check
throughout the week for final listings.