Formula 1 cars return to Portugal in the beginning of October for the Classic GP race, once again part of the 2023 Estoril Classics at Autódromo do Estoril.
It has become a tradition that, in October, the cars that made history in motorsport's highest category visit the emblematic Portuguese racing circuit, where golden pages of world motorsport have been written.
Once again this year, the Classic GP is expected to have a fulfil entry list, featuring several outstanding machines that promise to delight all the fans who come to the Estoril racing track on October 6, 7, and 8.
Over seventeen Formula 1 cars have been confirmed for the race, with the oldest being the Surtees TS9 Ford Cosworth that represented the team in 1971 and 1972, achieving its best result with a second-place finish at the 1972 Italian Grand Prix with Mike Hailwood at the wheel.
The most recent model on the track will be the Ligier JS21 Ford Cosworth, sporting the iconic Gitanes colors. This French team's car was raced in 1983 by Raul Boesel and Jean-Pierre Jarier, though without much success, its exotic design is sure to attract attention.
Among the cars with the longest history in the Formula 1 World Championship are the Lotus 72 Ford Cosworth and the Williams FW07 Ford Cosworth.
The Lotus 72, created for the 1969 season by Colin Chapman's team but remaining in operation until 1975, marked a new paradigm for Formula 1 single-seaters with its side-mounted radiators.
The Lotus 72 led Jochen Rindt and Emerson Fittipaldi to the title and secured three constructors' championships for the team. It's certainly a car to keep an eye on, especially since it will be adorned with the elegant John Player Special colours.
The Williams FW07 Ford Cosworth was perhaps the most significant car in the history of the team founded by Frank Williams, as it secured its first victories and titles.
Designed by Patrick Head, this single-seater graced the track between 1979 and 1983, enabling Alan Jones to win the 1980 Drivers' Championship and Williams to clinch the Constructors' title in the same year and in 1981.
In addition to these iconic Formula 1 cars, there will be others that will delight the many fans expected at Autódromo do Estoril.
One of them will certainly be the Alfa Romeo 182 V12, with which Andrea de Cesaris and Bruno Giacomelli defended the colors of the Arese automaker in 1980.
This Alfa Romeo single-seater, designed by Gérard Ducarouge and powered by an imposing three-liter V12 engine, wasn't very successful, with its best result being a third-place finish for Andrea de Cesaris in the Monaco Grand Prix. However, the sound of its Italian engine will undoubtedly stand out from the rest of the Ford Cosworth V8s.
These are more than enough reasons to plan a visit to Estoril Classics. Tickets for the paddock are already on sale through the official Estoril Classics website, BoL, FNAC, Worten, El Corte Inglês, and CTT Correios. The organization anticipates that they may sell out before the event starts, as more than thirty thousand people are expected to attend.
Access to grandstand A is free, while entry to the paddock will cost 20 euros on Friday and 30 euros on the other days, or 50 euros for the entire event. Paddock ticket holders will have the opportunity to get up close to the cars and teams, as well as enjoy all the activities, including the "Pitstop Village”.
