24H Series Set for Season Restart in Portimao

Photo: Creventic

The Hankook 24 Hours of Portimao is set to become one of the first international motorsports events to be organized since the coronavirus pandemic, with the Creventic-run enduro confirmed for June 13-14.

The fourth running of the twice-around-the-clock enduro will go ahead according to guidelines from the Autódromo do Algarve and Portuguese health authorities.

A total of 19 cars are currently on the provisional entry list, which was released by the Dutch organization on Friday.

Social distancing efforts will be enforced at the track that will include a dedicated pit box for each team, mandatory use of face masks in the paddock and pit lane, and digital communication and registration methods where possible.

“Obviously this has been a very difficult period for so many people all over the world and I cannot emphasize enough how proud I am that we have been given this opportunity to bring a semblance of normality back in our own way,” said Creventic sporting coordinator Ole Dörlemann.

“Thanks to the enormous efforts by the management team at the Autódromo do Algarve and local authorities, we are very confident we have created a safe environment for our competitors to return to the track.”

“This has not been easy. We were adamant that no shortcuts would be taken either during the build-up to the race or during the event itself.

“As such, there are a number of systems in place to ensure our competitors and track-side personnel can work safely and comfortably. We hope, given a bit of time, the relaxed atmosphere Creventic prides itself on at the track will be restored once the green flag drops on June 13.”

Logistics assistance will be available both by the track and series, with certified documentation given to competitors for crossing the European Union border.

Hotels and restaurants in the area, meanwhile, are due to open on Monday, with multiple non-stop flight options from Lisbon. 

Creventic will also host free test days at the circuit on Wednesday June 10 and Monday June 15, with an optional private test available on Thursday June 11.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John