Portimao

The Portimão Circuit, officially known as the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve (AIA), is one of Europe’s premier racetracks and a favorite among motorcycle enthusiasts for trackdays. Located near the coastal town of Portimão in southern Portugal, it offers a thrilling and technical experience that’s both challenging and rewarding.

🏁 Track Overview

• Length: 4.684 km (2.915 mi)

• Turns: 15 (9 right, 6 left)

• Main straight: ~969 meters

• Elevation change: Significant (~30 meters)

• Surface: High grip, well-maintained asphalt

🏍️ Why Riders Love It

1. Elevation Changes
   Portimão is famous for its dramatic elevation shifts, blind crests, and rollercoaster-like flow. Corners like Turn 8 (Craig Jones Corner) and Turn 11 (Portimão) feature drops and rises that are rare outside of circuits like Laguna Seca.

2. Technical Variety
   The mix of fast sweepers, tight hairpins, and off-camber corners tests every aspect of your riding—braking, throttle control, body positioning, and corner entry/exit.

3. High-Speed Thrills
   The main straight allows liter bikes to stretch their legs, often seeing top speeds near 300 km/h before the hard braking zone into Turn 1—a favorite overtaking spot.

4. Great Facilities
   The paddock is well-equipped with garages, tech support, fuel stations, tyre vendors, and medical teams. Spectator facilities are also excellent, making it rider- and crew-friendly.

5. Weather
   Located in the Algarve, it enjoys mild winters and hot, dry summers, so trackdays run nearly year-round.

🔧 Motorcycle-Specific Considerations

• Tyre wear: Abrasive surface + elevation means tyres wear fast, especially on liter bikes. Bring extra tyres or use tyre warmers.

• Brakes: Hard braking zones (T1, T5, T13) test your setup. High-temp pads and proper fluid are a must.

• Suspension setup: A neutral but responsive suspension is essential to handle the undulating surface and off-camber turns.

🛠️ Tips for Your Trackday

• Walk the track if possible—understanding the elevation in person gives you a mental edge.

• Mind the blind crests: Learn your markers, especially into Turns 8 and 11.

• Use trackdays with instructors if new to the circuit—local knowledge can shortcut your learning curve.

• Hydrate & prepare—summer trackdays can hit 35°C+, so heat stress is a real issue.

🚨 Notable Corners

• Turn 1: Very fast approach, big braking—stay committed but watch rear wheel lift.

• Turn 5 (Torre Vip): Heavy braking downhill; trail braking skill helps here.

• Turn 13 (Galp): Fast double apex, throttle balance key.

• Turn 15 (Galp exit): Crucial for setting up your main straight run—early throttle here pays off.

🧭 Getting There & Logistics

• Closest Airport: Faro (FAO), ~45–50 minutes drive.

• Trackday Providers: Organizations like Trackdays.pt, Motorsport Vision Trackdays (MSVT), and No Limits Trackdays often run events here.

• Accommodation: Plenty of options nearby in Portimão, Lagos, and Alvor—rider-friendly and close to the circuit.

✅ Ideal for:

• Intermediate to advanced riders looking for a technical and fast-paced circuit.

• Riders who want a MotoGP-level experience—Portimão hosts MotoGP and WSBK, so the surface and layout are world-class.