Piriapolis-Punta Fria

The spectacular Autódromo de Punta Fría was built in seven months with some design input from new World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio. It was set on a former golf course in the rolling San Antonio Hills to the south of Piriápolis, with views of the Atlantic ocean. It opened on 23 March 1952 with two invitational races on consecutive weekends. The first event was held in heavy rain but sunshine blessed the inaugural Uruguayan GP that followed. Whatever the weather, both races were won by Fangio in a Ferrari 166. International racing did not return and the circuit fell into disrepair during the 1970s. The crumbling track remains although there are plans to redevelop for housing.