Paulo Pinheiro, one of the most influential names in national motorsport, has died. Responsible for the Algarve International Circuit, undoubtedly one of the most modern and spectacular structures in world motorsport, he leaves behind an incomparable legacy.
The creation of the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão was conceived by Paulo Pinheiro, a mechanical engineer and fan of motor sports, which opened on November 2, 2008. The racetrack is the first part of the Algarve Motor Park project, which was started in 2001. In 2004, Pinheiro founded and ran the Parkalgar Racing Team, which competed in the Motorcycle World Championship in partnership with Honda. This project ended in 2011, after achieving 12 victories and 2 second world championships.
His contribution to national motorsport also continued on four wheels, repeatedly racing in national competitions. He was also involved in the revival of the main national speed championship, after the collapse of the TCR regulations. Together with Pedro Marreiros, they revived the competition and laid the foundation for the CPV as it is now.
He was also one of those mainly responsible for bringing F1 back to Portugal, more than twenty years after the last visit, in a very complex and pandemic context, a task that was successfully completed. MotoGP also regularly visited our country and the AIA was the scene of unforgettable moments, which go down in the history of national and international sports.
Paulo Pinheiro dedicated his life to the development of motor sport in Portugal and to the affirmation of the Algarve and the country as one of the major international stages of this sport, at the same time he contributed to the growth of the national and regional economy, leaving a unique legacy in the Portugal.
His legacy remains, his desire to always do more and better for motorsport and a great structure, considered by many to be one of the best tracks in the world, a stage for the best national and international competitions.
AutoSport extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends, at this time of mourning for the national motoring community.