Sao Paulo governor Joao Doria has questioned the announcement that Formula 1 will move to Rio de Janeiro in 2020.
Last week, Brazil’s president Jair Bolsonaro claimed the country’s Grand Prix would leave Interlagos, where it has been held since 1990, and take place at a new circuit to be constructed.
However, Doria claims there are many hurdles in the way of such a move, chief among which is his own desire to see F1 stay at the historic Autodromo Carlos Pace.
“We will not give up F1 in Sao Paulo,” he was quoted by PitPass this past weekend.
“We respect the right of Rio de Janeiro, but it does not seem to economically viable, and there would also be a reaction from the drivers, who know that Interlagos is one of the five best racetracks in the world.”
That prediction proved correct with Sebastian Vettel and others defending the Sao Paulo circuit.
Then Doria revealed F1 CEO Chase Carey is expected in the city next month, suggesting the situation is still far from settled.
“There is a contract signed until 2020, with strict clauses and heavy fines if either party breaks the contract,” he added.
“If you want to challenge us, that’s fine, but I can guarantee that Sao Paulo has more chances to win.
“Since December 2018, the prefecture of Sao Paulo has been working on renewing the contract of the Grand Prix.
“There is a conviction that our good relationship will prevail. We do not know of any obstacles that may prevent this renewal.”
