Interlagos could lose Brazil GP to Rio

UPDATE #2 F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone "has cast doubt on Interlagos hosting the Brazilian Grand Prix beyond 2015," according to Luke Smith of NBC SPORTS' Motor Sports Talk. The historic track in Sao Paulo "has become a favorite among drivers and fans alike." However, Ecclestone "could be set to terminate the track's contract in favor of a race in Rio." Ecclestone said, "I've been unhappy with Sao Paulo for some time because the facilities need a big facelift. We could be in Rio for the Olympic year." NBC Sports

03/24/13 (GMM) Bernie Ecclestone has admitted he is considering dropping Interlagos from the F1 calendar.

Early this week, we reported that IndyCar driver Helio Castroneves had repeated rumors that "formula one might move from Sao Paulo" to another Brazilian location.

"Obviously it's all about how much the promoters are willing to spend," the Brazilian driver said.

Indeed, Britain's Daily Mail reveals that F1 chief executive Ecclestone, who has not travelled to the opening two races of the 2013 calendar, has in fact just returned from Rio de Janeiro.

The city's mayor is reportedly "pitching hard" to become the new Brazil GP host.

"The mayor has told me they can get it done," said Ecclestone.

"I have been unhappy with Sao Paulo for a long time. It's a super race track, but the facilities need a big facelift.

"We could be there (Rio) for Olympic year (2016), but I know how hard it was for London to run just the Olympics," he added.

Meanwhile, Ecclestone has expressed interest in extending Malaysia's F1 contract, but told The Star newspaper that organizers need to give Sepang a "paint job".

"It is obviously not the same as Singapore," he said. "Maybe because they don't spend the money."

Turn 1 at Interlagos

03/19/13 (GMM) The Brazilian grand prix could be set to move from Interlagos.

Now the popular and traditional home of Brazil's annual race, the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace is however regarded as perhaps the worst venue on the grid in terms of its ageing facilities.

Now, rumors of a change of venue have emerged.

"In Brazil, the economic situation is very strong," IndyCar driver Helio Castroneves, whose category will race on the Sao Paulo streets in May, said last week.

Will IndyCar then move to Interlagos?

"I heard now that formula one might move from Sao Paulo to the south of Brazil. Obviously it's all about how much the promoters are willing to spend.

"I think it's more than just interest," the Penske driver added. [Does that mean the Sao Paolo IndyCar race could then move from the streets to the Interlagos road course?]