Next year’s Brazilian Grand Prix will be on the move with the nation’s president announcing a shift to a brand-new purpose-built circuit in Rio de Janeiro.
The new circuit is yet to be built, although experienced circuit designer Hermann Tilke has been given the duty to design the new layout on former military land in the western district of Rio.
Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro said he expects the new facility to be completed by the end of this year.
“The management of Formula 1 has decided to maintain a Grand Prix in Brazil, but Sao Paulo has become impractical because of the event’s public financial support and the debt that exists over there,” Mr Bolsonaro said.
“The new racetrack will be built in six or seven months. The hotel sector will be happy, the state economy as well since it will be six or seven thousands jobs generation. It is good for both Rio de Janeiro and Brazil.”
The Brazillian Grand Prix was once hosted in Rio at the Jacarepaguá Circuit from 1978 to 1989 on ten occasions. The track was demolished to make room for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.
The new circuit could also be named after Ayrton Senna and have a layout to complement both four and two-wheeled events.
Image via Aston Martin Red Bull Racing
Luke McCullough
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