The Autódromo do Estoril has hosted the Portuguese Grand Prix for thirteen years, where some of the most unforgettable pages in motorsport and Formula 1 have been written. As has been the tradition since 2017, Estoril Classics is once again bringing the machines of motorsport's highest category to the oldest permanent circuit in the country.
Cascais cicuit has been the scene of historic moments, perhaps the most remarkable being Ayrton Senna's first Formula 1 victory, when he won the 1985 Portuguese Grand Prix on a completely flooded circuit, starting the legend of the 'Brazilian Magician.'
But other episodes have gone down in the annals of motorsport. At the 1984 Portuguese Grand Prix, Niki Lauda became World Champion for the third time with a third-place finish, despite Alain Prost, his rival and teammate at McLaren, winning. These rankings would result in the smallest margin ever between the Champion and Vice-Champion, just 0.5 points.
The Frenchman, however, would have his moments of glory at the Autódromo do Estoril. In 1987, at the controls of a McLaren, he won the Portuguese Grand Prix, earning his 28th victory in Formula 1, which allowed him to overtake Jackie Stewart, who until then was the driver with the most victories in the top category.
In 1993, Prost finished the Estoril race in second place, beaten by Michael Schumacher, but won his fourth and final title, driving for Williams Renault after a year's sabbatical.
This is the historic stage where twenty-one Formula 1 single-seaters will be exhibited during the Estoril Classics, representing machines from fifteen top-class manufacturers in the Classic GP race.
Of these fifteen F1 carmakers, ten have reached the top of the podium at least once, as in the case of Shadow, Hesketh, and Ligier, etc., while six have won what is the most important title in motorsport - that of World Drivers' Champion - as in the case of Alfa Romeo, Lotus, Brabham, March, Tyrrell, McLaren, or Williams.
You'll also be able to see iconic decorations that have marked generations and made youngsters dreams, with the John Player Special, Gitanes, and Marlboro liveries being the most exuberant and leaving no fan indifferent.
What's even more intoxicating is that all these cars will be seen doing what they were born to do - driving on the track at the limit - a real high-speed museum that will appeal to all the senses of true motorsport and Formula 1 lovers.
These four-wheel machines, which were the greatest exponents of motorsport in their time, will be accessible in the paddock where tickets are already on sale (on the official Estoril Classics website, at BoL, and also physically at FNAC, Worten, El Corte Inglês, and CTT Correios). Some of these tickets are on the verge of selling out, and it's becoming increasingly clear that the figure of more than 30,000 people who attended the 2022 edition will be exceeded.
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 whole 3-day event, with holders being able to see the machines and teams up close, as well as all the activities, including the "Pitstop Village."
