The Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix will stay at Interlagos until 2025 after a new long-term agreement is reached, according to the governor of Sao Paulo.
The historic venue, which has held races every year since being shortened in 1990, will be replaced by a new circuit in Rio de Janeiro starting next year.
However, the company behind the project, Rio Motorsports, is facing an uphill battle obtain the necessary environmental permits to continue construction facility, which is located on the outskirts of the town of Deodoro.
Amid questions over whether the circuit will be built, F1 owners Liberty Media returned to Sao Paulo, despite previously arguing over their last contract, negotiating with Bernie Ecclestone, which saw Interlagos host the Brazilian Grand Prix for free.
And after being included in the provisional 2021 calendar earlier this week, it looks like the future of racing is secured.
“The Interlagos race track has been confirmed to host F1 for the next five years,” state governor Joao Doria said at a press conference earlier this week.
“The contract will be signed by [Sao Paulo] Mayor Bruno Covas and Liberty Media, F1 rights holders.
“This is a big win for the city of Sao Paulo, this is a big win for the state of Sao Paulo and for Brazil.”
Some reports claim the race will become known as the Sao Paulo GP under the new agreement, and there is definitely no love lost for those trying to take F1 away from the city.
“The understanding we have maintained since last year with Liberty Media is based on the right instruments, with race tracks that are approved by riders, by teams, and for over 30 years, having hosted the Brazilian Grand Prix,” added Doria.
“We don’t make speculations, we don’t make artificial projections, we don’t promise investments that can’t be made.”
F1 is also known to have canceled the broadcast rights agreement made with Rio Motorsports, and it is not known where the company will continue their project going forward.
