Paulo Pinheiro the founder and CEO of Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, Paulo Pinheiro passed away earlier this month after a short illness.
Paulo was also the father of ex Ligier European Series and Michelin LM Cup racer Bernardo Pinheiro.
His passing was recognised by LMEM with the following statement.
Paulo was more than a cherished partner, he was a true friend to the European Le Mans Series family. His tremendous role in founding the circuit and bringing the championship to Portimão will never be forgotten.
As a true motorsport enthusiast, his warm hospitality and smile made everyone feel welcome and valued.
Our thoughts are with his family, and his son Bernardo Pinheiro, who will continue his father’s passion racing in ELMS.
Rest in peace, Paulo.
GT Sport, organisers of the International GT Open also marked his passing:
With immense shock and dismay, we have learned of the sudden passing away, at the early age of 52 and after a short illness, of Paulo Pinheiro, founder and Chairman of the Autódromo do Algarve.
A true motorsport lover, an engineer, and a racer himself, Paulo was the person who had the vision and energy to dream and bring to reality the Autódromo do Algarve in Portimão, one of the most beautiful tracks in Europe, which over the years has grown up to hosting MotoGP and F.1 and to an engine for economic and innovation activity that benefits an entire community.
“Paulo Pinheiro was a true friend of GT Sport, our series, and all of us personally”, said Jesús Pareja, CEO of GT Sport, “We have always been delighted to visit the Autódromo do Algarve year after year and built with Paulo a long-standing friendship. His passion, vision, and energy allowed him to materialize the dream of building a track in the Algarve and he contributed greatly to motorsport, the region, and Portugal, a country so close to our hearts.”
In this moment of great sorrow, GT Sport extends to his family its most heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, his many friends, and all of our colleagues at the Autodrómo.
Frederik Vesti Attacks Goodwood Hill In Mercedes AMG F1 Car
Amongst some very familiar faces in action a couple of weekends ago at the Goodwood Festival of Speed was Cool Racing start Frederic Vesti who was tasked with pedalling the 2021 Mercedes AMG W12 F1 car.
Vesti is a reserve driver for the Mercedes AMG F1 outfit.
As close to the action as you can be
Ride onboard with @frederik_vesti as he talks you through his @fosgoodwood run pic.twitter.com/DmzPkdTVfu
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) July 14, 2024
