23/04/2013
NEWS STORY
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Interlagos looks set to secure a new deal to host the Brazilian Grand Prix after organisers agreed to carry out much needed redevelopment work at the Sao Paulo track.
Only last month, clearly tired of the circuit's failure to keep in touch with the more recent additions to the calendar, even though it remains one of the most popular with fans and driver, Bernie Ecclestone warned that the race could be moved back to Rio de Janeiro.
Rio's Autodromo Internacional Nelson Piquet circuit, previously known as Jacarepagua, first hosted the Brazilian Grand Prix in 1978, and subsequently between 1981 and 1989.
Both the track and its facilities were essentially destroyed in order to create a new facility for the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Last month, Ecclestone suggested that a move to Rio to coincide with the Olympics was under consideration however, this would most likely be for a street race as the former Jacarepagua circuit, despite the promises of local politicians, is unlikely to be rebuilt.
Speaking at the weekend however, Ecclestone revealed that Sao Paulo has been spurred into action.
"I've just received a letter from the mayor and he's guaranteed to revamp the whole facilities there," he told Reuters, "which will be good, we've been waiting long enough.
"If Sao Paulo do what they say they're going to do then we don't need to move," he added: "It's a super race track but the facilities need a big facelift."
Ecclestone also revealed that Mexico could soon be back on the calendar, interest in the sport in the country boosted by the arrival of Esteban Gutierrez in F1 and the improving form of Sergio Perez.
"I'm all for the race in Mexico, I think it would be fantastic, really good," said Ecclestone. "It's commercial at the moment, but it's okay, we'll get it sorted."