Portimão honoured Paulo Pinheiro, founder and former CEO of the Algarve International Circuit (AIA), with a commemorative sculpture at the racetrack on March 27.
The sculpture, located at the racetrack’s main roundabout, pays tribute to Pinheiro’s vision and legacy in creating one of Portugal’s most important motorsport venues, now internationally recognised for hosting major racing events.
Designed by artist A. Miguel and made using three tonnes of steel, the sculpture reflects Pinheiro’s entrepreneurial spirit and his key role in bringing top-level motorsport to the Algarve, the Portimão council said in a statement.
The piece features a bust of Paulo Pinheiro and depicts key elements of his legacy, including a Formula 1 car, representing the track’s hosting of the F1 Grand Prix; the motorcycle with which Miguel Oliveira won the 2020 MotoGP race at the circuit; a representation of the Portimão circuit layout itself.
The ceremony took place on the opening day of the Superbike World Championship at Portimão – a particularly symbolic moment, as the circuit itself was officially inaugurated during a Superbike event in 2008.
The tribute follows an earlier announcement by Portimão mayor Álvaro Bila in 2024, who confirmed both the sculpture and the naming of the roundabout as “Rotunda Paulo Pinheiro” in recognition of his contribution to the development of the circuit.
Paulo Pinheiro died at the age of 52 on July 10, 2024, after battling cancer.
