Autódromo Internacional de Maputo

Circuit History

The Autódromo Internacional de Maputo (previously the Autódromo de Lourenço Marques and sometimes referred to as the Autódromo da Costa do Sol) holds a rich and tumultuous history in the realm of African motorsport. Its origins are deeply rooted in the early 20th century, with the first organised motorsport events in Mozambique tracing back to the 1920s, primarily orchestrated by the Sporting Clube de Lourenço Marques. These early events were mostly motorcycle races and gymkhanas, which evolved over time into more formalised speed contests, such as the Polana ramp and the Starting Kilometer, initiated in 1927.

During the 1930s, despite a decline in urban racing, inter-locality races gained prominence, highlighted by the Lourenço Marques – Johannesburg Race. However, it was the post-World War II era that saw a significant resurgence in motorsport in Mozambique. The 1940s witnessed the establishment of city circuits and the emergence of local drivers who competed against well-equipped foreign racers from South Africa and Southern Rhodesia. This period also marked the founding of the Auto Clube de Moçambique, which later became the Automobile and Touring Club of Mozambique (ATCM) in the 1950s, playing a pivotal role in the development of both tourism and motorsport in the region.

A new racetrack is born

The 1960s brought about a transformative period for motorsport in Mozambique. The construction of the Costa do Sol racetrack in 1962 marked the culmination of a long-held dream for the local motorsport community. The initial track incorporated a stretch of the coastal road, closed off for races, creating a unique 3.362-kilometre circuit. This track hosted significant national and international events, including Formula 1 and endurance races like the "3 Hours of Lourenço Marques," part of the Springbok Series, which attracted top-tier cars and world-class drivers.

The inaugural race on 21 July 1962 set the stage for a new era of motorsport in Mozambique. The race was officially opened by Governor-General Admiral Sarmento Rodrigues and the president of ATCM, Eng. Manuel Oliveira Braga. The event brought widespread attention to Mozambique, as drivers from Portugal, South Africa, and Southern Rhodesia competed fiercely on the circuit. Notable races continued throughout the decade, solidifying the track's reputation on the international motorsport stage.

However, the Autódromo de Lourenço Marques was not without its tragedies. On Sunday, 23 July 1967, disaster struck during the fourth edition of the Taça Governo Geral de Moçambique race, an event celebrating the city's anniversary. Halfway through the race, South African driver Luki Botha, piloting a Brabham BT11-Climax, lost control of his vehicle. The car spun off the track and crashed into a group of spectators standing on an embankment near the circuit.

The consequences were devastating. Seven onlookers, including five teenagers, lost their lives in the accident. The deceased included nine-year-old Armando da Costa Lobo, Carlos Manuel Sacramento de Oliveira (12), José Samessone Matana (14), António José Trindade (18), Augusto Salvador Marques (25), and Joaquim Soares da Costa (10). The seventh victim, a young male of African origin believed to be around seventeen years old, remained unidentified. Nearly ten other spectators were hospitalised, many with serious injuries. The tragedy was compounded by the fact that most of the victims were young, causing particular distress within the Mozambican community.

In the immediate aftermath of the crash, chaos ensued. Police had to use dogs to help Red Cross workers navigate through the hysterical crowd. The accident raised serious questions about spectator safety at the Lourenço Marques circuit and led to widespread criticism of the event's organisation and safety measures.

Contrary to some initial reports, Luki Botha survived the crash physically unharmed. However, the psychological impact was profound. While he participated in a few sportscar races the following season, his interest in motorsport waned, and he soon retired from racing altogether.

New circuit quickly falls silent

In 1970, the circuit underwent significant modifications, moving the main straight inside the track's terrain, thereby transforming it into a closed circuit and improving safety by eliminating the need to close public roads. This new 3.909 km layout retained parts of the original design while offering enhanced facilities and safety measures. Despite these improvements, the 1973 oil crisis and subsequent political changes following the Carnation Revolution (also known as the 25 April Revolution) in colonial masters Portugal led to the prohibition of most motor races, culminating in the closure of the circuit in 1978 when the new Mozambican government banned all motor racing activities.

The circuit fell silent and the future looked bleak, however the mid-1980s marked a turning point for motorsport in Mozambique. António Marques, a passionate motorsport enthusiast, embarked on a mission to reactivate the Automobile and Touring Club of Mozambique (ATCM). His dedication involved countless hours of work and numerous meetings, which ultimately bore fruit in the rebirth of this esteemed institution.

The fruits of these efforts became evident in June 1990 when the first motorsport event of the new era took place at the newly re-named Autódromo Internacional de Maputo. This marked the beginning of a long journey towards modernisation and adherence to new safety standards in motorsport. The following year saw a significant step forward with the first training sessions for track marshals and race officials. This initiative demonstrated a clear commitment to modernisation and alignment with the radically changed safety rules in international motorsport.

Revival of racing and a new look

1992 was a pivotal year for Mozambican motorsport. The "Maputo City Speed Championship" was successfully held, bringing competitive racing back to the capital. Additionally, motocross races reappeared on the track, and an international race featuring the return of the well-known Formula Vee took place. Perhaps most significantly, karting made a comeback, laying the foundation for future driver development.

Substantial improvements to the racetrack were delivered in 1993, ushering in its third iteration. These upgrades included:

• Construction of a chicane on the main straight
• Alterations to the pit entrance
• Addition of a protective wall
• Introduction of electronic timing
• Installation of gantry lights for starting and pit-lane circulation

A section of the paddock area was also given over to the creation of a new kart circuit (the country's first). This new karting facility proved crucial for nurturing young talent, with some riders going on to achieve success at the international level.

In 1994, the country's first single-make trophy was introduced, adding a new dimension to local competition. A speed championship brought vehicles of great competitive level and technical development to the racetrack. Moreover, the classic "Pretoria-Maputo" rally was resurrected, reconnecting Mozambique with its regional motorsport heritage.

The late 1990s continued to see growth in motorsport activities. Speed events became regular occurrences, and karting reached new heights of popularity. A major milestone was achieved in 1997 with the hosting of the "Two and a Half Hours of Maputo," an endurance race that counted towards the South African championship. This event significantly elevated Mozambique's status in the regional motorsport scene.

Land development prompts track redesign

The turn of the millennium brought both challenges and opportunities. In 2001, the ATCM leadership embarked on a new direction, interrupting use of the racetrack to design a new layout that would accommodate upcoming real estate investments on the land. This decision, while controversial, reflected the changing urban landscape and economic realities of Maputo.

A portion of the circuit was sold off for development, resulting in the 'Baia Mall' shopping centre springing up next to the Marginal Road at roughly the point where racers in 1962 would have headed onto the permanent section of track. This necessitated a redesign of the course but provided much-needed funds to invest back into the remaining track.

However, constant delays in the development works of the main racetrack created a prolonged hiatus in racing, despite the new layout largely being in place by 2007. It wasn't until November 2019 that speed races finally returned to the racetrack, marking a long-awaited revival of circuit racing in Mozambique.

Despite these challenges, the ATCM continued to progress. It achieved full membership in the FIA, solidifying its place in the global motorsport community. The organisation also increased its focus on training, recognising the importance of skilled officials and support staff in modern motorsport.

Today, Mozambican motorsport stands at an exciting juncture. While honouring its rich history, it looks to the future, embracing new challenges and opportunities. The sport continues to evolve, balancing the preservation of its unique heritage with the demands of modern international motorsport.