Portuguese Grand Prix: When is it, how can I watch it and UK start time?
Formula One heads into the unknown this weekend at Portimao as the Portuguese Grand Prix returns for the first time in 24 years.
In what is a one-off Formula return - albeit an audition for what could be a future slot on the F1 calendar - Portimao will stage the 12th round of the unusual 2020 season, with Lewis Hamilton holding a formidable 69-point lead in the drivers’ championship and with the chance to break Michael Schumacher’s 14-year record if he can claim his 92nd career victory this weekend.
Hamilton will be at a complete lack of experience though at the Algarve International Circuit, with this being the first time that the Portuguese Grand Prix has been staged at the track after previously being held at Estoril between 1984 and 1996.
Attempting to chase Hamilton down will be his Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas, who looked to have got the better of Hamilton last time out after beating him to pole position and leading the early stages of the race until a power unit failure forced him to retire and concede precious ground in a championship battle that he only just fought his way back in to.
The track uncertainty is not the only thing for drivers to worry about though, with weather once again likely to interfere over the course of the weekend. Both Friday and Saturday should be significantly better - and warmer - than at the Nurburgring, but Sunday’s race could well be affected by rain if the forecast is anything to go by.
When is the Portuguese Grand Prix?
The Portuguese Grand Prix takes place on 23-25 October 2020.
What time does each session start?
FRIDAY
Free Practice 1: 11am - 12:30pm BST
Free Practice 2: 3pm - 4:30pm BST
SATURDAY
Free Practice 3: 11am - 12pm BST
Qualifying: 2pm - 3pm BST
SUNDAY
Race: 1:10pm - 3:10pm GMT
TV schedule
FRIDAY
Free Practice 1: 10:30am - 12:45pm BST (Sky Sports F1 + Sky Sports Main Event)
Free Practice 2: 2:45pm - 4:45pm BST (Sky Sports F1)
SATURDAY
Free Practice 3: 10:45am - 12:10pm BST (Sky Sports F1)
Qualifying: 1pm - 3:35pm BST (Sky Sports F1)
SUNDAY
Race: 11:30am - 4pm GMT (Sky Sports F1)
Race highlights: 5:30pm - 6:30pm GMT (Sky One), 6:30pm - 9pm (Channel 4)
If you’re not a Sky customer you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
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