McLaren to test at new Portuguese venue

Algarve Motor Park

(GMM) Top formula one team McLaren looks set to head to Portugal for winter testing in December.

"This is almost confirmed but not yet," said Paulo Pinheiro, chief executive of the new Algarve Motor Park.

He added that most other F1 teams have also been in contact with the circuit, which is located in the southernmost region of mainland Portugal.

We reported earlier this year that the track was being planned with a budget of around 200m euros, and hoped ultimately to win a spot on the world championship calendar.

Pinheiro told the local newspaper The Resident that Algarve Motor Park has now gained FIA approval, paving the way for F1 testing to take place.

"It is very important for F1 cars to be able to use the track because F1 is the highest level of motor racing, and it is a very important label to have, the one that confirms we meet F1 standards," he said.

Le Mans, A1, FIA GT and Superbike races are in the planning, but there is no guarantee that formula one will also come to the circuit to race.

"We have done our part; that was to build a top level facility that is able to receive F1. Having a F1 race or not is not something we can decide or do something about," Pinheiro said.