The Portuguese Grand Prix is set to be confirmed on the 2021 Formula 1 calendar taking the TBC slot in May, according to reports.
Last year, the country held its first race since 1996, as Portimao was one of five circuits to join the revised schedule following the Covid-19 pandemic.
The virus has also already led to changes this year, with Australia postponing its 2021 F1 race until November, while China has been replaced by Imola on April 18.
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Portugal quickly emerged as the favourite to take Vietnam’s slot on May 2, but a recent wave of new coronavirus cases had led to suggestions of Bahrain holding a doubleheader to start the season.
That now appears unlikely, however, with Motorsport.com claiming F1 bosses have given Portimao the go-ahead to form an Iberian doubleheader with Spain taking place a week later on May 9.
The report also says teams are to be informed of the agreement during a virtual meeting on Thursday.
One potential complication comes from the UK government placing Portugal on its ‘red list’ of nations from which travellers must enter a quarantine hotel for 10 days upon arrival, with no exception for elite sports.
But with F1 heading to Spain the following week, it is thought any disruption will be limited and of course, there are just under three months for the situation to improve.