Portuguese Formula 1 GP Spectator Capacity To Be Reduced

Initially 46,000 tickets went on sale, but administrator of the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, Paulo Pinheiro has suggested that the maximum capacity allowed at the Portuguese Grand Prix of Formula 1, next weekend, should and will be reduced to just 27,500 spectators.

“We are still waiting for the final version of the DGS [Directorate-General for Health] opinion, but, in principle, the maximum limit should be 27,500 places”, revealed Paulo Pinheiro.

Initially, some 46,000 tickets were offered for sale, but in view of the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic in recent weeks, that number is expected to be substantially reduced.

“The document must reach us this Monday”, said the administrator of the Algarve race track.

It is certain that pedestrian tickets, in principle, “will not be allowed”, so these seats should be distributed to other stands. However, Paulo Pinheiro revealed that there have been ‘several withdrawals’ from supporters from abroad ‘who have either failed to travel or are afraid’ to watch the race.

For this reason, “in principle, it will be able to accommodate” all the Portuguese fans who bought tickets, noted the official.

On Friday, DGS had informed that it was reviewing the authorization for the public to attend sporting events, in particular at the Portuguese Formula 1 and MotoGP Grand Prix, admitting its reduction.

Graça Freitas, director-general of Health, had warned that “the situation is worrying”, which leads the health authority to act “very cautiously”, adding that the presence of spectators in sports shows “is being considered according to the zone, with the reduction that will have to exist”.

The Portuguese Grand Prix of Formula 1 will be the 12th race of the 2020 World Championship and will take place between Friday and Sunday, 23 and 25 October, at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, in Portimão.