Rio Streets could get an IRL race in 2006

Accordingly to columnist Daniel Castro, from "Folha de Sao Paulo", Rio de Janeiro may get an IRL race next season. The project is being architected by Rede Bandeirantes (the Brazilian TV company that broadcasts the IRL races), through its vice-president, Marcelo Meira, uncle of Vitor Meira, of Rahal-Letterman.

"There is a good chance that there will be a GP at the end of next year" said Marcelo. The race wouldn't be held in Jacarepaguá, which is involved in the problems of the 2007 Pan-American games construction works". The race would take place in the streets of Aterro do Flamengo. The expenses would be paid by the city hall and sponsors. It is estimated to be something between US$ 5 and 10 million. If the race takes place, the Brazilian round would be the first IRL race outside EUA and Japan. Brazilian Media Link

It's ironic that the IRL might beat Champ Car back to Brazil while Champ Car has been floundering trying to make a race happen. Whether there would be any real appeal for the IRL in Brazil, remains to be seen, but they do have Brazilian drivers like Kanaan, Castroneves and Meira. And with the league scaling back its races and focusing on North America, we really don't see the IRL racing in Brazil.