Rio de Janeiro to make F1 bid

It has been rumored that Rio de Janeiro’s Mayor Eduardo Paes is planning to make a bid to bring Formula 1 back to the city, a move which could jeopardize Sao Paulo’s continuation as the sole host of the sport in Brazil. Rio de Janeiro last hosted an F1 race back in 1989 at the Jacarepagua circuit.

Although Sao Paulo’s Interlagos circuit was the venue for the first ever Brazilian Grand Prix back in 1973, Rio de Janeiro has also hosted Formula 1 on numerous occasions at the Jacarepagua circuit. The first race at the venue was in 1978, and the track hosted F1 consistently between 1981 and 1989. Although Eduardo Paes is eager to see Brazil host two races, Rio de Janeiro’s Mayor is also prepared to snatch away Formula 1 from Sao Paulo.

“Be prepared Sao Paulo because I am going to steal the Formula One from you!” Exclaimed Eduardo Paes, as the Mayor announced Rio de Janeiro’s plans for a new international speedway. However, these controversial plans could well be scuppered, as the Interlagos circuit has a contract with Bernie Ecclestone and the Formula One Management until 2015.

What happens beyond 2015 remains to be seen, however with Formula 1’s calendar expanding at a phenomenal rate, two races in Brazil is highly unlikely. Already Spain has had to remove the European Grand Prix from Valencia, and begin alternating the venue with Barcelona as hosts of the Spanish Grand Prix.

The same has already happened in Germany with the Hockenheimring and the Nurburgring and with a race in New Jersey and Russia planned for 2014, the future F1 calendar could look very different in years to come, potentially leaving only a handful of races in Europe.

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