Miguel Amaral
Encyclopedia
Miguel Maria de Sá Pais do Amaral, 2nd Count of Alferrarede
, KHDSMOM (born Lisbon
, 31 July 1954) is a Portuguese
aristocrat
, businessman and amateur
race car driver
.
of Anadia (born in Lisbon on 15 January 1925 a descendant of the Marquess of Pombal, Pedro IV of Portugal, Friedrich Wilhelm I, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Beck
, Isabella Margherita Farnese
and Aurora Stjernvall's sister), and his wife (married in Carcavelos
in September 1953) Dona
Maria Mafalda de Figueiredo Cabral da Câmara, of the Counts of Belmonte (born in Lisbon on 7 February 1931 a descendant of Louis, comte de Narbonne-Lara
and twice of the Duke of Loulé and Infanta Ana de Jesus Maria of Portugal).
, Amaral was the former majority owner of the Media Capital
group, a conglomerate that owns the TVI
TV channel and several radio stations, including Rádio Comercial
and Rádio Clube Português in Portugal. He sold a majority stake in the group to PRISA
in 2005.
His current business interests are concentrated in Quifel Holdings, and include the following activities:
a) LEYA, the leading education and book publishing operator in Portugal,
b) REDITUS, one of the leading IT companies in Portugal,
c) TEG, a Real estate operator foccusing on retail, tourism and residential segments,
d) QUIFEL NATURAL RESOURCES, a natural resources and renewable energies company,
e) GRYPHON HOLDING, a financial services company based in London,
d) COMPANHIA DAS QUINTAS, a wine production company based in Portugal,
An avid motorsports fan, he began racing in the Portuguese Cross-Country Rally Championship, as well as in the Portuguese Classic Touring Car Championship. In 2001 he teamed up with Pedro Couceiro to drive in the Spanish GT Championship
before the two moved to the Portuguese ASM Team. In the last two years he teamed up with Miguel de Castro driving a Porsche 997 RSR, and in 2009 he won the Trofeu Iberico de GT.
In 2006 Amaral purchased the Lola B05/40
Le Mans prototype
formerly run by Chamberlain-Synergy Motorsports in the Le Mans Series
. After one win under the Chamberlain name, the team scored two more victories as ASM, but this prevented Amaral and his co-drivers Miguel Angel de Castro and Angel Burgueño from taking the class win. Amaral and ASM Team continue to ran their Lola in the Le Mans Series in 2007 and 2008. In 2009 Amaral and Olivier Pla raced a Zytek 09 and won the LMP2 championship. He's also a classic car lover, being the proud owner of a Porsche 917
, which he first displayed at the Circuito da Boavista in 2007.
He is also the 1,335th Associate of the Second Tauromachic Club.
Amaral family has the title of Count of Anadia and owns Palácio Anadia in Mangualde, one of the most important baroque
residences in the country, and Palácio Anadia in Amoreiras, Lisbon. He is also a Knight
of Honour and Devotion of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. He was granted the title of 2nd Count of Alferrarede by Alvará of the Conselho de Nobreza, still in his father's lifetime, a title that was originally granted to his great-uncle Carlos de Sá Pais do Amaral Pereira de Menezes, 1st Count of Alferrarede, formerly 1st Viscount of Alferrarede.
on 5 November 1983 Maria da Luz Lagos do Amaral Cabral, born on 19 October 1960, daughter of Joaquim Emílio do Amaral Cabral, a lawyer
, and Maria Elisabeth da Silva Lagos, and has two daughters: Maria da Assunção de Sá Pais do Amaral, born at São Domingos de Benfica
, Lisbon, on 29 December 1987; and Carolina Rita de Sá Pais do Amaral, born at São Domingos de Benfica, Lisbon, on 23 January 1991.
Alferrarede
Alferrarede is a Portuguese civil parish, located in the municipality of Abrantes, in Santarém District, with a population of 3831 inhabitants dispersed within an area of 23.62 km²; it is the eleventh largest parish, third largest population centre and fifth largest population...
, KHDSMOM (born Lisbon
Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital city and largest city of Portugal with a population of 545,245 within its administrative limits on a land area of . The urban area of Lisbon extends beyond the administrative city limits with a population of 3 million on an area of , making it the 9th most populous urban...
, 31 July 1954) is a Portuguese
Portuguese people
The Portuguese are a nation and ethnic group native to the country of Portugal, in the west of the Iberian peninsula of south-west Europe. Their language is Portuguese, and Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion....
aristocrat
Aristocracy (class)
The aristocracy are people considered to be in the highest social class in a society which has or once had a political system of Aristocracy. Aristocrats possess hereditary titles granted by a monarch, which once granted them feudal or legal privileges, or deriving, as in Ancient Greece and India,...
, businessman and amateur
Amateur
An amateur is generally considered a person attached to a particular pursuit, study, or science, without pay and often without formal training....
race car driver
Driving
Driving is the controlled operation and movement of a land vehicle, such as a car, truck or bus.Although direct operation of a bicycle and a mounted animal are commonly referred to as riding, such operators are legally considered drivers and are required to obey the rules of the road...
.
Family
He is the only child and son of Manuel José Maria de Sá Pais do Amaral, 7th CountCount
A count or countess is an aristocratic nobleman in European countries. The word count came into English from the French comte, itself from Latin comes—in its accusative comitem—meaning "companion", and later "companion of the emperor, delegate of the emperor". The adjective form of the word is...
of Anadia (born in Lisbon on 15 January 1925 a descendant of the Marquess of Pombal, Pedro IV of Portugal, Friedrich Wilhelm I, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Beck
Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Beck
Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Beck was a branch of the Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg branch of the House of Oldenburg. It consists of August Philipp, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Beck , and his male-line descendants...
, Isabella Margherita Farnese
Alexander Farnese, Duke of Parma
Alexander Farnese was Duke of Parma and Piacenza from 1586 to 1592, and Governor of the Spanish Netherlands from 1578 to 1592.-Biography:...
and Aurora Stjernvall's sister), and his wife (married in Carcavelos
Carcavelos
Carcavelos is a parish in the Portuguese municipality of Cascais, about 12 km west of Lisbon. The village used to be known for the Carcavelos wine, but since the wine production is nowadays reduced, Carcavelos is better known among surfers because of the good surfing condition of the...
in September 1953) Dona
Don (honorific)
Don, from Latin dominus, is an honorific in Spanish , Portuguese , and Italian . The female equivalent is Doña , Dona , and Donna , abbreviated "Dª" or simply "D."-Usage:...
Maria Mafalda de Figueiredo Cabral da Câmara, of the Counts of Belmonte (born in Lisbon on 7 February 1931 a descendant of Louis, comte de Narbonne-Lara
Louis, comte de Narbonne-Lara
Louis Marie Jacques Amalric, comte de Narbonne-Lara was a French nobleman, soldier and diplomat.-Birth and early life:He was born at Colorno, in the Duchy of Parma, as the son of Françoise de Châlus Louis Marie Jacques Amalric, comte de Narbonne-Lara (17, 23 or 24 August 1755 – 17 November...
and twice of the Duke of Loulé and Infanta Ana de Jesus Maria of Portugal).
Career
A Mechanical Engineer diplomed with a MBA from INSEADINSEAD
INSEAD is an international graduate business school and research institution. It has campuses in Europe , Asia , and the Middle East , as well as a research center in Israel...
, Amaral was the former majority owner of the Media Capital
Media Capital
Media Capital SGPS, SA, is a Portuguese media corporation founded in 1988 , based in Oeiras, Lisbon. Media Capital is a major media group in Portugal, and is one of the biggest media corporations in Europe...
group, a conglomerate that owns the TVI
TVI (Portugal)
Televisão Independente is Portugal's fourth terrestrial television channel, launched in 1993. It has been leading audience ratings since 2005. It competes directly with SIC and RTP1.-History:...
TV channel and several radio stations, including Rádio Comercial
Rádio Comercial
Rádio Comercial is a commercial radio station in Portugal aimed at young and adult people. It has a broad format including contemporary, pop and rock music. It is among the most listened radio stations in the country.-History:...
and Rádio Clube Português in Portugal. He sold a majority stake in the group to PRISA
PRISA
Promotora de Informaciones, S.A is a Spanish media conglomerate. The PRISA group was founded in 1972 by Jesús de Polanco.-Newspapers:* El País, daily newspaper* Diario AS sports newspaper* Cinco Días economic newspaper-Magazines:...
in 2005.
His current business interests are concentrated in Quifel Holdings, and include the following activities:
a) LEYA, the leading education and book publishing operator in Portugal,
b) REDITUS, one of the leading IT companies in Portugal,
c) TEG, a Real estate operator foccusing on retail, tourism and residential segments,
d) QUIFEL NATURAL RESOURCES, a natural resources and renewable energies company,
e) GRYPHON HOLDING, a financial services company based in London,
d) COMPANHIA DAS QUINTAS, a wine production company based in Portugal,
An avid motorsports fan, he began racing in the Portuguese Cross-Country Rally Championship, as well as in the Portuguese Classic Touring Car Championship. In 2001 he teamed up with Pedro Couceiro to drive in the Spanish GT Championship
Spanish GT Championship
The Spanish GT Championship is a Spanish auto racing series founded in 1999 and organised by the GT Sport Organización. The series runs multiple classes of grand tourer cars in events around Spain and Portugal...
before the two moved to the Portuguese ASM Team. In the last two years he teamed up with Miguel de Castro driving a Porsche 997 RSR, and in 2009 he won the Trofeu Iberico de GT.
In 2006 Amaral purchased the Lola B05/40
Lola B05/40
The Lola B05/40 is a Le Mans Prototype built by Lola Cars International for use in the LMP2 class for the American Le Mans Series, Le Mans Series, and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Developed in 2005, it was intended as a replacement for both the Lola B2K/40 and the MG-Lola EX257. It shares various...
Le Mans prototype
Le Mans Prototype
A Le Mans Prototype is a type of sports prototype race car most notably used in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, American Le Mans Series and Le Mans Series...
formerly run by Chamberlain-Synergy Motorsports in the Le Mans Series
Le Mans Series
The Le Mans Series is a European sports car racing endurance series based around the 24 Hours of Le Mans race and run by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest . The series was originally named the Le Mans Endurance Series, but changed its name prior to the 2006 season...
. After one win under the Chamberlain name, the team scored two more victories as ASM, but this prevented Amaral and his co-drivers Miguel Angel de Castro and Angel Burgueño from taking the class win. Amaral and ASM Team continue to ran their Lola in the Le Mans Series in 2007 and 2008. In 2009 Amaral and Olivier Pla raced a Zytek 09 and won the LMP2 championship. He's also a classic car lover, being the proud owner of a Porsche 917
Porsche 917
The Porsche 917 is a racecar that gave Porsche its first overall wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970 and 1971. Powered by the Type 912 flat-12 engine of 4.5, 4.9, or 5 litres, the 917/30 variant was capable of a 0- time of 2.3 seconds, 0– in 5.3 seconds, and a top speed of over .There are 6...
, which he first displayed at the Circuito da Boavista in 2007.
He is also the 1,335th Associate of the Second Tauromachic Club.
Amaral family has the title of Count of Anadia and owns Palácio Anadia in Mangualde, one of the most important baroque
Baroque
The Baroque is a period and the style that used exaggerated motion and clear, easily interpreted detail to produce drama, tension, exuberance, and grandeur in sculpture, painting, literature, dance, and music...
residences in the country, and Palácio Anadia in Amoreiras, Lisbon. He is also a Knight
Knight
A knight was a member of a class of lower nobility in the High Middle Ages.By the Late Middle Ages, the rank had become associated with the ideals of chivalry, a code of conduct for the perfect courtly Christian warrior....
of Honour and Devotion of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. He was granted the title of 2nd Count of Alferrarede by Alvará of the Conselho de Nobreza, still in his father's lifetime, a title that was originally granted to his great-uncle Carlos de Sá Pais do Amaral Pereira de Menezes, 1st Count of Alferrarede, formerly 1st Viscount of Alferrarede.
Marriage and issue
He married at EstorilEstoril
Estoril is a seaside resort and civil parish of the Portuguese municipality of Cascais, Lisboa District. The Estoril coast is close to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. It starts in Carcavelos, 15 kilometres from Lisbon, and stretches as far as Guincho, often known as Costa de Estoril-Sintra or...
on 5 November 1983 Maria da Luz Lagos do Amaral Cabral, born on 19 October 1960, daughter of Joaquim Emílio do Amaral Cabral, a lawyer
Lawyer
A lawyer, according to Black's Law Dictionary, is "a person learned in the law; as an attorney, counsel or solicitor; a person who is practicing law." Law is the system of rules of conduct established by the sovereign government of a society to correct wrongs, maintain the stability of political...
, and Maria Elisabeth da Silva Lagos, and has two daughters: Maria da Assunção de Sá Pais do Amaral, born at São Domingos de Benfica
São Domingos de Benfica
São Domingos de Benfica is a Portuguese parish, located in the municipality of Lisbon. It has a population of 33,678 inhabitants and a total area of 4.30 km².-External links:*...
, Lisbon, on 29 December 1987; and Carolina Rita de Sá Pais do Amaral, born at São Domingos de Benfica, Lisbon, on 23 January 1991.
24 Hours of Le Mans results
| Year | Class | No | Tyres | Car | Team | Co-Drivers | Laps | Pos. | Class Pos. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 2006 24 Hours of Le Mans The 2006 24 Hours of Le Mans was the 74th Grand Prix of Endurance, and took place over June 17–18, 2006.-Pre-race:Prior to this race the ACO redeveloped the area around the Dunlop Curve and Dunlop Chicane, moving the Dunlop Curve in tighter to create more run-off area, while also turning the Dunlop... |
LMP2 | 39 | Lola B05/40 Lola B05/40 The Lola B05/40 is a Le Mans Prototype built by Lola Cars International for use in the LMP2 class for the American Le Mans Series, Le Mans Series, and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Developed in 2005, it was intended as a replacement for both the Lola B2K/40 and the MG-Lola EX257. It shares various... AER Advanced Engine Research Advanced Engine Research, Ltd. is an auto racing engine manufacturer based in Basildon, Essex, England... P07 2.0L Turbo I4 |
 Chamberlain-Synergy Motorsport ASM Team Racing for Portugal |
Warren Hughes Warren Hughes Warren Hughes is a race car driver from Newcastle, England. His wife's name is Roz, and they have 2 sons. After a promising junior career, Hughes raced in touring car and sports car racing....  Miguel Ángel de Castro |
196 | DNF | DNF | |
| 2007 2007 24 Hours of Le Mans The 2007 24 Hours of Le Mans was the 75th Grand Prix of Endurance, and took place at the Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France from 16–17 June 2007. Four classes of cars raced together, with each class having honors for its highest finishers... |
LMP2 | 40 | Lola B05/40 Lola B05/40 The Lola B05/40 is a Le Mans Prototype built by Lola Cars International for use in the LMP2 class for the American Le Mans Series, Le Mans Series, and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Developed in 2005, it was intended as a replacement for both the Lola B2K/40 and the MG-Lola EX257. It shares various... AER Advanced Engine Research Advanced Engine Research, Ltd. is an auto racing engine manufacturer based in Basildon, Essex, England... P07 2.0L Turbo I4 |
Quifel ASM Team Racing for Portugal |
Warren Hughes Warren Hughes Warren Hughes is a race car driver from Newcastle, England. His wife's name is Roz, and they have 2 sons. After a promising junior career, Hughes raced in touring car and sports car racing.... Miguel Ángel de Castro |
137 | DNF | DNF | |
| 2008 2008 24 Hours of Le Mans The 2008 24 Hours of Le Mans was the 76th Grand Prix of Endurance, taking place on 14–15 June 2008 at the Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France, organised by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest . The test day was on June 1. The race was attended by 258,000 spectators... |
LMP2 | 40 | Lola B05/40 Lola B05/40 The Lola B05/40 is a Le Mans Prototype built by Lola Cars International for use in the LMP2 class for the American Le Mans Series, Le Mans Series, and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Developed in 2005, it was intended as a replacement for both the Lola B2K/40 and the MG-Lola EX257. It shares various... AER Advanced Engine Research Advanced Engine Research, Ltd. is an auto racing engine manufacturer based in Basildon, Essex, England... P07 2.0L Turbo I4 |
Quifel ASM Team |
 Olivier PlaOlivier Pla Olivier Pla is a race car driver from France.-French Formula Campus & Formula Three:Pla's career started in 2000 in French Formula Campus before moving on to French Formula Three Championship in 2001 with the Saulnier Racing team... Guy SmithGuy Smith Guy Smith is a motor racing driver who has competed in various levels of motorsport.Smith started racing karts in 1987, winning the British Championship, and in 1991 finished second in the Senior World Championship... |
325 | 20th | 4th | |
| 2009 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans The 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans was the 77th Grand Prix of Endurance, an endurance auto race run over 24 hours. It took place at the Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France, and was organised by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest over June 13–14, 2009 and was started by Fiat and Ferrari chairman Luca... |
LMP2 | 40 | Ginetta-Zytek Zytek Zytek Group Ltd is an automotive and motorsport company founded in 1981 and based in Fradley and Repton, United Kingdom. Zytek Group has two main division: Zytek Automotive, which is based at Fradley, Staffordshire; and Zytek Engineering, which is based at Repton, Derbyshire.-Zytek Automotive:Zytek... GZ09S/2 Zytek Zytek Zytek Group Ltd is an automotive and motorsport company founded in 1981 and based in Fradley and Repton, United Kingdom. Zytek Group has two main division: Zytek Automotive, which is based at Fradley, Staffordshire; and Zytek Engineering, which is based at Repton, Derbyshire.-Zytek Automotive:Zytek... ZG348 3.4L V8 |
Quifel ASM Team |
Olivier Pla Olivier Pla Olivier Pla is a race car driver from France.-French Formula Campus & Formula Three:Pla's career started in 2000 in French Formula Campus before moving on to French Formula Three Championship in 2001 with the Saulnier Racing team... Guy SmithGuy Smith Guy Smith is a motor racing driver who has competed in various levels of motorsport.Smith started racing karts in 1987, winning the British Championship, and in 1991 finished second in the Senior World Championship... |
46 | DNF | DNF | |
| 2010 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans The 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans was the 78th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, also known as the Grand Prix of Endurance. The race took place on 12–13 June 2010 at the Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France, and was organised by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest . Fifty-six cars participated in the... |
LMP2 | 40 | Ginetta-Zytek Zytek Zytek Group Ltd is an automotive and motorsport company founded in 1981 and based in Fradley and Repton, United Kingdom. Zytek Group has two main division: Zytek Automotive, which is based at Fradley, Staffordshire; and Zytek Engineering, which is based at Repton, Derbyshire.-Zytek Automotive:Zytek... GZ09S/2 Zytek Zytek Zytek Group Ltd is an automotive and motorsport company founded in 1981 and based in Fradley and Repton, United Kingdom. Zytek Group has two main division: Zytek Automotive, which is based at Fradley, Staffordshire; and Zytek Engineering, which is based at Repton, Derbyshire.-Zytek Automotive:Zytek... ZG348 3.4L V8 |
Quifel ASM Team |
Olivier Pla Olivier Pla Olivier Pla is a race car driver from France.-French Formula Campus & Formula Three:Pla's career started in 2000 in French Formula Campus before moving on to French Formula Three Championship in 2001 with the Saulnier Racing team... Warren HughesWarren Hughes Warren Hughes is a race car driver from Newcastle, England. His wife's name is Roz, and they have 2 sons. After a promising junior career, Hughes raced in touring car and sports car racing.... |
318 | 20th | 7th | |
| 2011 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans The 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans was the 79th Grand Prix of Endurance, and took place on 11–12 June 2011 at the Circuit de la Sarthe, Le Mans, France, and organised by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest... |
LMP1 | 20 | Zytek Zytek Zytek Group Ltd is an automotive and motorsport company founded in 1981 and based in Fradley and Repton, United Kingdom. Zytek Group has two main division: Zytek Automotive, which is based at Fradley, Staffordshire; and Zytek Engineering, which is based at Repton, Derbyshire.-Zytek Automotive:Zytek... 09SC Zytek Zytek Zytek Group Ltd is an automotive and motorsport company founded in 1981 and based in Fradley and Repton, United Kingdom. Zytek Group has two main division: Zytek Automotive, which is based at Fradley, Staffordshire; and Zytek Engineering, which is based at Repton, Derbyshire.-Zytek Automotive:Zytek... ZG348 3.4L V8 |
Quifel ASM Team |
Olivier Pla Olivier Pla Olivier Pla is a race car driver from France.-French Formula Campus & Formula Three:Pla's career started in 2000 in French Formula Campus before moving on to French Formula Three Championship in 2001 with the Saulnier Racing team... Warren HughesWarren Hughes Warren Hughes is a race car driver from Newcastle, England. His wife's name is Roz, and they have 2 sons. After a promising junior career, Hughes raced in touring car and sports car racing.... |
48 | DNF | DNF | |