Circuito do Sol: the new motorsport resort taking shape near Serpa

Although the name suggests otherwise, Circuito do Sol - set just outside the quiet town of Serpa, in the district of Beja - is not intended to be merely a race circuit.

It is designed to be more than that. First announced five months ago, this new facility taking shape in the Alentejo is positioned to become a catalyst for both tourism and the regional economy.

With a route that, in its final configuration, will measure 5.9 km, a development and production centre for electric-car components - created in partnership with the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal - and an associated hotel, Circuito do Sol aims to establish itself as a national draw for car manufacturers seeking a space to develop and showcase new models and, at the same time, a resort for driving enthusiasts.

From an economic standpoint, the project represents an investment of more than €16 million by 2024, with 40 direct jobs expected to be created locally by 2024.

First phase of Circuito do Sol is already under way

For now, the project remains in phase one - the first of four phases scheduled to run through to 2024. It is on the site where the Serpa kart track once operated that a new layout is being shaped, reusing some sections of the former circuit.

One of the people responsible for the development explained to us the reasons behind choosing this location.

In this first phase - shown in the images - Circuito do Sol measures 1.6 km and includes 11 corners. Even so, the ambition goes further, with plans for a layout capable of taking on up to 11 different configurations.

In June, a new section of the route will begin to be asphalted (phase 2) by the same company that recently delivered the new “carpet” surface at the Jerez circuit in Spain.

This second phase is due to be completed by the end of 2022, expanding Circuito do Sol to 3.8 km and 26 corners. In the third and final phase, Circuito do Sol will extend to 5.9 km and 32 corners - but only in 2024.

In terms of layout, the Circuito do Sol team drew inspiration from iconic tracks such as Laguna Seca and its “Corkscrew”, Spa-Francorchamps and its “Eau Rouge”, or Le Mans and the “Porsche” corners.

For brands, drivers and more

Open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, Circuito do Sol is aimed at several different audiences. First and foremost are manufacturers, who can use it not only to test new technical solutions and new models (with facilities “hidden” from prying eyes), but also as a venue to present new offerings to journalists.

Beyond that, Circuito do Sol was also positioned as an ideal setting for events (for example, track days), for motorsport team testing, and even for gentleman drivers looking to practise.

More than €16 million of investment

At the presentation of Circuito do Sol, it was made clear that the €16 million investment at the former Serpa kart track goes beyond the circuit itself.

The Circuito do Sol project also includes a factory dedicated to developing components for electric vehicles and a rural hotel, creating in the Alentejo what is described as Europe’s first motorsport-focused resort.

As for the electric-vehicle component development factory at Circuito do Sol, it will be called DEAL, an acronym for “Development Electric Auto Lab”.

It is set to function as an “incubator” for new technologies and as the base for a dedicated engineering team, supported by students from the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal through a partnership with that institution.

In addition to the track, which can also be used for testing, Circuito do Sol is installing a professional racing simulator - similar to those used by engineering departments in motorsport - to support learning for new drivers and gentleman drivers who want to improve their technique.

As for the energy that will power the site, it will come from photovoltaic panels, with the captured electricity then stored across multiple batteries. “We want Circuito do Sol to be the most sustainable infrastructure of its kind in the world”, Lars Lindberg told Razão Automóvel.

In total, the first two phases of the project correspond to an investment of more than €16 million. Once fully completed, Circuito do Sol is expected to employ 40 people directly.