Sunday, August 28, 2011

Circuito da Boavista - First Portuguese Formula One Grand Prix

The motor racing in Circuito da Boavista , Portugal dates back to 1931 but the first Formula One Grand Prix race was held on 24th August 1958. The circuit hosted 2 Formula One races - 1958 and 1960. Circuito da Boavista has the honor of hosting the first Formula One Grand Prix race in Portugal. The other circuits which hosted Portuguese Grand Prix were Monsanto Park, Lisbon & Autódromo do Estoril, Estoril.

Even though Formula One racing started very early in Portugal it was not a regular event in the Formula One racing calendar. The last Formula One race in Portugal was held in 1996.

In 2008 , Portugal post issued a miniature sheet to commemorate 50 Years of the Boavista Circuit - Formula 1. In addition there were 4 stamps issued to celebrate this occasion.

Stirling Moss ( Vanwall ), Jack Brabham ( Cooper ), Mark Haywood ( Cooper ), Bobby Verdon Roe ( Mclaren ) were the drivers honored in the stamp set.


Stirling Moss won the inaugural Portuguese Grand Prix ( 1958 ) and Jack Brabham won the race in the 1960 season.

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