Sao Paulo moves to secure F1 host city status

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has revealed that the Brazilian Grand Prix is set to remain in Sao Paulo after he received assurances from Mayor Fernando Haddad that redevelopment work would be carried out at the Interlagos circuit.

Interlagos traditionally hosts F1s season-ending race, but Formula One Group chief executive Ecclestone last month stated that the grand prix could be moved to Rio de Janeiro. Rio hosted Brazils grand prix throughout the 1980s before it switched to its current location of Sao Paulo in 1991. Ecclestone has stated he is unhappy with the facilities on offer at the Interlagos circuit and previously said a switch to Rio could be made to coincide with the citys staging of the Olympic Games.I've just received a letter from the mayor and he's guaranteed to revamp the whole facilities there, which will be good, we've been waiting long enough, Ecclestone said, according to Reuters. If Sao Paulo do what they say they're going to do then we don't need to move. He added: It's a super race track but the facilities need a big facelift.Meanwhile, Ecclestone said Mexico could expect a return to the calendar in the near future, adding that he is also keen for Turkey to make a comeback. Mexico currently has two drivers on the grid in the shape of McLarens Sergio Perez and Saubers Esteban Gutierrez. Istanbul Park staged F1 from 2007 to 2011. The facility was regarded as one of the sports best, but promotional difficulties meant it attracted poor attendances throughout its initial deal.

I'm all for the race in Mexico, I think it would be fantastic, really good, Ecclestone said. It's commercial at the moment, but it's okay, we'll get it sorted.

Source: SportsPro


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