Experience the Thrill: A Christmas Gift of Racing at the Algarve International Circuit!

The Perfect Christmas Gift for Car Enthusiasts

With Christmas just around the corner, it's time to think about gifts for loved ones, especially for those who are passionate about racing or cars. If you have someone in mind who fits this description, we have the perfect suggestion.

The Algarve International Circuit (AIA) boasts world-class infrastructure and hosts some of the best motorsport competitions globally. It also offers a range of thrilling experiences that will delight any racing fan or speed enthusiast.

Recently, we had the chance to feel the adrenaline of this activity, thanks to an invitation from Mercedes, which renewed its partnership with AIA for the Racing School until 2027. This collaboration guarantees access to some of the most sporty models from the German brand. To celebrate this partnership, AIA and Mercedes invited members of the press to experience what these thrilling activities have to offer. If you're a fan of this world, this is something you should seriously consider.

Upon arrival at AIA, we underwent initial procedures and attended a briefing with Edgar Gonçalves, Sérgio Santos, and Miguel Praia. They welcomed us to the magnificent facility and provided essential tips for track driving. We learned about track characteristics, braking, and acceleration techniques. Despite our best efforts, much of this information slipped our minds as we prepared to get behind the wheel.

Our experience began with an instructor-led lap around the Algarve track, where we quickly realized the high level of skill required. We learned how to approach turns 3 and 4, navigate the strong braking zone for the Torre Vip corner, and tackle the impressive Craig Jones section. Our instructor, Sérgio, demonstrated how to navigate the track, and before we knew it, we were taking two laps in the Mercedes-Benz AMG A45S (421 HP). It was our first taste of real adrenaline, as we tackled corners we had seen countless times in onboard footage, albeit at a more cautious speed under the instructor's guidance.

After an excellent lunch, we moved on to three different exercises. The first was a drift exercise in a Mercedes-AMG GT63S on a wet surface, designed to help us understand sliding. We entered the car, confident we would impress, but ended up with a few spins before managing to control it for a brief moment.

Next, we returned to the AMG A45S for a winding course exercise, practicing with and without traction control to better understand the car's dynamics. This included a wet section designed to catch the overconfident off guard.

The final exercise involved navigating a water wall in a Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45S (421 HP), simulating an emergency maneuver at 70 km/h, requiring us to steer clear of water columns without losing control.

These exercises were designed to teach us about car dynamics, trajectory concepts, and reflex testing, all while having instructors by our side who gauged our skill levels and provided guidance.

After completing the course, it was time to put our skills to the test in the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT63 4MATIC+, boasting 585 HP and a top speed of 315 km/h. This car, equipped with a powerful V8 biturbo engine, provided an exhilarating experience on the track, showcasing the perfect blend of performance and comfort.

As the clouds gathered overhead, we took to the track for our final laps. The AIA layout is a masterpiece, and experiencing the acceleration, braking, and elevation changes firsthand was unforgettable. Racing enthusiasts often say it's the best thing you can do while fully clothed, and we couldn't agree more. Focused on our driving, we felt no fear, only excitement as we reached the end of the straightaway with smiles on our faces.

If you're interested in this experience, visit the AIA website to explore the available packages. We highly recommend it— the instructors are fantastic, and the cars and track are exceptional. Last year, AIA hosted over 4,000 courses for both amateurs and experienced drivers, offering high-performance training that includes physical preparation, nutrition, technical driving, and competition readiness. If you've ever dreamed of driving at AIA, this is your chance to make that dream a reality!