The founder and current chairman of the Board of Directors of the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve (AIA), Paulo Pinheiro, died yesterday, a victim of illness, aged 52.
“It is with great regret and consternation that the AIA Administration announces the death of engineer Paulo Pinheiro, its founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors,” reads the statement.
A mechanical engineer by training and former driver, Paulo Pinheiro conceived and undertook the construction of the AIA, in Portimão, in 2008, being one of those responsible for the return of Formula 1 and MotoGP to Portugal.
The Algarve circuit has been part of the MotoGP World Championship calendar since 2020, with five races since then, and was also the stage for the return of Formula 1 in 2020 and 2021.
In addition to the AIA, he also created and managed the motorcycle and car racing team Parkalgar Racing Team.
“His remarkable human and professional qualities left their mark on all those who had the privilege of meeting and working with him. At this time of pain and consternation, the AIA Administration extends its condolences to all of Paulo Pinheiro’s family and friends,” said the statement from the circuit’s press office.
Portuguese MotoGP rider Miguel Oliveira has praised Pinheiro, “Today a hero passed away for all of us. We, who love motorsport, cannot remain indifferent to Paulo's work. His dream came true and in it we were all able to dream and build memories that will last forever”, the Aprilia rider wrote. “A man like you never dies, you live through the work you leave and in our hearts forever and ever. I lost a friend but... how lucky I was to have crossed paths with you”, he continued in the message shared on his social networks, which he concluded by offering his condolences to Paulo Pinheiro's family.
Sources https://www.algarveprimeiro.com and https://postal.pt/
