Officials representing Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace (Interlagos) are lobbying to secure a five-year extension to the existing contract to host the Brazilian Grand Prix, which is due to expire in 2020.
Interlagos first hosted a Formula 1 grand prix back in 1972 and since then has been an intrinsic part of Formula 1’s rich history, with a number of world titles being decided at the venue.
F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone recently hinted that the venue was in danger of losing the grand prix, which many interpret as an age old tactic by the sport’s controversial boss and a prelude to negotiations, in other words his opening gambit ahead of doing a deal.
Meanwhile Brazilian Grand Prix organisers have released a statement claiming that improvements to the venue will be completed in time for the race on 13 November and made clear their intentions to strike a long term deal beyond the existing one.
The statement read: “The circuit’s engineering department conducted a visit for the Brazilian press on 22 June to show the current work which should complete the ambitious three-year, $60 million programme to improve the various facilities of the classic Interlagos circuit before the forthcoming Brazilian Grand Prix,” the statement read.
“The circuit, a great favourite of drivers of all categories due to its challenging layout and many overtaking opportunities has been hosting the Brazilian Grand Prix since 1990 when the race was moved from the city of Rio de Janeiro.
“The city’s current contract runs through 2020. It is expected that, after this year’s municipal elections, conversations will take place with the Commercial Rights Holder [Ecclestone] and the FIA to extend it for a further five-year period.”
Read the full story at GRAND PRIX 247
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