ALGARVE INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT 

 AIA 🏁

Where Speed Meets the Sun.

Experience the Algarve. Master the Track.

The Ultimate Driving Challenge.

2026

International Calendar: Autódromo Internacional do Algarve (AIA) 2026 🏁

The Autódromo Internacional do Algarve (AIA) already has several major international events confirmed for its 2026 calendar!

The main Racing and Experience activities scheduled for the AIA in 2026 are:

🏆 Major Races Confirmed for 2026

Event Date Type
FIM WorldSBK Championship March 27–29, 2026 Motorcycle Racing (Superbike)
European Le Mans Series October 10, 2026 Motorsports (Endurance)
MotoGP Portuguese Grand Prix November 13–15, 2026 Motorcycle Racing (MotoGP)

🏎️ Other Available Activities

In addition to the major competitions, the Autodrome regularly offers the following activities, whose specific calendars are defined throughout the year:

Driving Experiences: High-performance sports car driving experiences (such as AMG, GT3) on the main circuit.

AIA Racing School: Driving and advanced training courses for both motorcycles and cars.

Track Days: Opportunity for the public to drive their own vehicle (car or motorcycle) on the Portimão circuit.

Karting: Races and kart rentals at the Kartódromo Internacional do Algarve (Algarve International Karting Track).

Activities at the Portimão Racetrack (Autódromo Internacional do Algarve - AIA) 🏁

The Autódromo Internacional do Algarve (AIA) is a state-of-the-art complex that offers far more than just professional races. It is a premier motorsport destination with a wide range of activities for the public and corporations:

🏎️ Driving and Racing Experiences

Track Days: Drive your own car or motorbike on the internationally acclaimed Grand Prix circuit.

Driving Experiences: Get behind the wheel of high-performance vehicles (e.g., Porsche, Ferrari) with professional instruction and hot laps.

Karting: The adjacent Kartódromo Internacional do Algarve offers rental karts and hosts official competitions, catering to all skill levels.

Off-Road Experiences: Utilize the off-road track and dedicated facilities for challenging driving activities.

🚴 Non-Motorized Activities

Cycling: The track is often opened for cyclists, providing a unique, safe, and challenging surface for training and leisure rides.

Running/Walking: Organized events and open days allow for fitness activities on the expansive grounds.

🏢 Corporate and Events

Product Launches: The modern facilities, including the Pit Lane and Control Tower, are frequently used by major brands for vehicle launches and corporate events.

Training and Testing: Professional race teams and vehicle manufacturers use the complex for testing and development throughout the year.

The History of the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve (AIA) 🏁

The Autódromo Internacional do Algarve (AIA), also known as the Portimão Circuit, is a modern motorsport complex that rapidly established itself as one of the premier racing venues in Europe.

🏗️ Conception and Construction (2005–2008)

The project was conceived by Parkalgar S.A. and designed by architect Ricardo Pina. Construction began in 2005 with the goal of creating a multi-faceted racing complex that could host major international events. The entire facility—including the main racetrack, the Kartódromo Internacional do Algarve, the Off-Road Park, a technology park, and a luxury hotel—was completed in a remarkably short time.

The circuit was officially inaugurated in November 2008. Its challenging, undulating 4.653 km (2.891 miles) layout, featuring significant elevation changes and technical corners, quickly earned praise from drivers and riders alike.

🌟 Early Success and Major Events

The AIA immediately secured top-tier events, most notably hosting the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) since 2008, cementing its place on the international motorsports map.

However, the circuit's profile truly exploded in 2020. Due to calendar shifts caused by the global pandemic, the AIA was unexpectedly called upon to host two major events for the first time:

Formula 1 Portuguese Grand Prix (2020): This marked the return of F1 to Portugal after 24 years, earning high acclaim for the dramatic racing and the track's distinctive flow. F1 returned for a second race in 2021.

MotoGP Portuguese Grand Prix (2020): The track also became a staple on the MotoGP calendar, often hosting the season opener or finale, and quickly becoming a fan and rider favourite..