Sao Paulo's Interlagos circuit will continue to host the Brazilian Grand Prix until 2020 after a new deal was agreed with FOM.

The current contract runs out next year and there were fears that it might not be renewed due to major development work that needs to be carried out.

However, it is understood that Bernie Ecclestone, who spent all of last week in Brazil, missing the Korean Grand Prix, has agreed a new deal with Sao Paulo mayor Fernando Haddad that will see Interlagos continue as host of one of the most popular events on the F1 calendar.

Key to the new contract is the construction of a new pit and paddock complex which will see the pits moved from their current location to the straight after the Senna 'S' linking Turns 3 and 4.

Work on the new pit and paddock will begin next year and will hopefully be ready in time for the 2015 event.

"The teams have long craved a better infrastructure to accommodate them," Haddad told Globo Esporte. "The fans will benefit from a more modern race track that makes Interlagos and Sao Paulo the best place to host Formula One."

"I'm very excited that the mayor has agreed to the investments we asked for many years ago," added Ecclestone. "If this does not happen, we would have to consider not having the race here. We are very happy now."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Kkiirmki, 11/10/2013 1:55

"I wonder what Ayrton Senna would think of this move? I'm betting it wouldn't be positive. It's good to see that Bernie and all his mates will have a brand spanking fancy new paddock complex in which to completely ignore the actual race."

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2. Posted by White Lightning, 10/10/2013 18:15

"I can't wait!

Having one of the most iconic sweeping chicanes in the world as turn 1 is so gauche these days, I'm really looking forward to the first turn being a 90-degree left-hander like everywhere else!

I didn't want to sit in the main grandstand for the view of the main straight, pits and over onto the back of the circuit anyway, sitting at the bottom of the hill looking at nothing much will do me just fine."

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3. Posted by Editor, 10/10/2013 16:59

"Couldn’t agree more.

The extended paddock at Monza meant the little village – an oasis containing shops, a bar, a restaurant, a small area for sitting complete with fountain - were removed and tarmacked over. Just so a bit more parking space was available for Bernie and the beautiful ones."

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4. Posted by Peter Rickitt, 10/10/2013 16:53

"Why, oh why, do circuits ,now seemingly perforce, have to move the location of their pits ? It destroys their history (cf. a now unrecognisable Silverstone, especially on television), when surely modern design and construction techniques can cram more and quicker into the same space. The teams, their sponsors and guests (many of whom are merely transitory) have unnecessary and diva-like space demands for a once-a-year event when equal luxury (and even greater money-inducing exclusivity) can be offered in a limited spatial environment (look at the popularity of small 'private' hotels and restaurants) - less IS more. If Monaco can do it, why can't the other historic-core venues ?"

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Interlagos secures new deal

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