F1 22 gets its first track update. Codemasters and EA SPORTS are bringing the Portimão, Portugal circuit back to the Formula One game
The Portuguese Grand Prix is not part of Formula 1’s official race calendar this year, but that won’t stop Codemasters and EA SPORTS from including the circuit as a free track update in F1 22 – starting as early as 2 August 2022.
“We know our players love the thrill of racing on more circuits and it doesn’t get much better than Portimão,” said Lee Mather, F1 Senior Creative Director at Codemasters. “Portimão is highly regarded and has a proud history, and our players will love the challenge of driving the cars designed for 2022 on the venerable track for the first time. “
“I’m moving up and down, side to side, like a rollercoaster “
The Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, better known as Portimão, was used as a replacement track for the 2020 and 2021 Formula One seasons when a number of venues had to cancel their race weekends due to the Corona pandemic. For Codemaster’s last in-house game, the changes to the 2020 racing calendar came at too short a notice for the track to be integrated. But already in F1 2021, the track from Portugal came as a free track update.
The 4.684 km long, hilly track is famous for its sharp descent before a final right-hand bend takes it to the finish line at full throttle. With its layout and corner speeds, the course resembles a rollercoaster ride that racers and sim racers alike appreciate.
Portimão will not remain the only track update. The next update will follow on 13 September 2022 with the Shanghai International Circuit in China.
