11/11/2012
NEWS STORY
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The mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes, has revealed that he is aiming to bring Formula One back to the city.
The city's Autodromo de Jacarepagua hosted the Brazilian Grand Prix between 1978 and 1990, since then however it has been forced to look on as Sao Paulo's Interlagos plays host to the country's round of the Formula One World Championship.
With Rio one of the host cities for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and the Summer Olympics in 2016, Paes has revealed that he is in talks to bring F1 back to the city.
At a press conference to announce a new speedway for the city, Paes said: "Be prepared Sao Paulo because I am going to steal the Formula 1 from you."
He admitted that the ideal scenario would see Brazil hosting two races, though in recent years, as witnessed in Europe, this has become economically unviable. Should two races not be possible, Paes, who is seeking talks with Bernie Ecclestone, admits that he is prepared to go head-to-head with Sao Paulo in order to win back the Grand Prix.
Rio is also the first city to sign up to the new Formula E series, in August Paes, met with Jean Todt and series CEO Alejandro Agag, at which time the Brazilian city agreed to host a race in 2014.
Interlagos has a contract to host the Brazilian Grand Prix until 2015.