Portimao to host first major F1 test of 2009

Algarve Motorsports Park

(GMM) Portugal's new Algarve circuit in the Portimao region is set to host the first major track action of 2009 later this month.

It was already known that Toyota, Williams and Renault intend to get their new single seaters up and running at the newly opened venue during a four-day test session beginning January 18.

Citing the information of the operators of the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, Portuguese media report that McLaren and Red Bull will also be present for the January test.

McLaren, whose new MP4-24 is being launched at Woking (UK) a few days before Algarve's January test, were present for the circuit's debut session in December, as were Ferrari.

While the Algarve test is taking place, BMW-Sauber will run its 2009 car for the first time at Valencia's Ricardo Tormo circuit in Spain.

Portuguese media report that the Algarve circuit is positioning itself as a regular venue for formula one tests.