Montes Clares 1961-71
Circuit info:
- Circuit length:
- 1.696 miles/2.729 km
- Circuit type:
- Temporary street course
Circuit history:
Set in a park in the hills north of the Portguese capital, Lisbon, Monsanto Park was used for several sportscar grands prix in the 1950s. Winners included José Frolian Gonzaléz in 1954 and Juan Manuel Fangio in 1957, both in Ferraris. The main straight of the circuit was in fact the autostrada to Estoril.
For the 1958 season, the chicane after the pit straight was removed, shortening the lap and leaving an uninterrupted run down to the Clover Leaf corner. In 1959, Monsanto Park held its only Formula One Grand Prix, won by Stirling Moss in a Cooper-Climax.
Racing stopped on this configuration in 1959 but re-started on a shortened 'Montes Clares' course in 1961. Races included national Formula Three and sportscar races, with the last coming in 1971.
