Saturday, November 05, 2005
Algarve Formula 1?
Will they, won't they...?
The on-off deliberations about a proposed circuit for Formula 1 race cars in Algarve rumble on, apparently.
They are ready to build the 'International Autodrome of Algarve' at Pereira, near Portimao. The only thing missing is the necessary permission from the authorities.
It's a big-budget project - 100 million Euros has been mentioned - but it has its opponents as well as its backers. The area under consideration has been subject to the attention of arsonists in the last few years and most of the local pine trees have disappeared.
Apparently, there's a ban on speculative building in the area, but opponents of the project fear that the law will be breached while the authorities look steadfastly away, in the hope that the money involved will benefit the economy. I suppose I'd have to opine that Formula 1 is hardly representative of Algarve culture!
In my own mind, there is a struggle about this matter. That's because I enjoy watching F1 when it's televised. On the other hand, I know what a terrible waste of energy it represents, with unnecessary pollution, both chemical and sonic.
It will be interesting to see how it pans out. If it happens without proper authorisation, I suppose it will underline the fears of many in the UK - that European ecological laws (among others) will be widely breached by other member states, while observed to the letter in the UK. Hardly a level playing field, if that's how it works.
So, will the winner be ecology or economy?
Watch this space for more news of Algarve developments.
