BEIJING, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Portuguese Grand Prix is to return to the Formula One world championship schedule in 2027 after a six-year absence, the sport's organisers confirmed on Tuesday.

F1 has agreed a two-year deal with the Portuguese government and local promoters to host the race at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimao, a scenic but demanding circuit in the country's southern Algarve region.

The venue previously staged grands prix in 2020 and 2021, added during the COVID-19 pandemic to fill gaps left by travel restrictions. Both races were won by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, including his record-breaking 92nd career victory in 2020.

The return comes as part of F1's broader effort to refresh its largely full calendar of 24 races, with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort set to drop off after 2026, freeing a spot for Portimao.

F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali welcomed the addition, saying in a statement that the circuit's undulating layout provided "on-track excitement from the first corner to the checkered flag" and reflected "the highest" demand the sport has ever seen from potential hosts.

Portuguese officials positioned the return as a boost for local tourism and regional development, with Economy Minister Manuel Castro Almeida saying the event would generate opportunities across sectors including hospitality and services.

F1 first raced in Portugal in 1958 on a street circuit in Porto and later at Estoril, where Brazilian great Ayrton Senna scored his first grand prix victory in 1985. After Estoril fell off the calendar in 1996, Portimao brought F1 back to Portugal briefly during the pandemic. ■