Ecclestone might buy Interlagos

©WRI2

40

The mayor of Sao Paulo is selling the Interlagos circuit complex and expects former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone to bid for the track.

Mayor Joao Doria explained that the city of Sao Paulo was in the process of cleaning up its finances amid one of the worst economic recessions endured by the Brazilian metropolis.

A sale of Interlagos to a private investor would allow for an infrastructure upgrade of the facility and thus preserve its presence on the F1 calendar.

According to a report from Reuters, Ecclestone said he and Doria had "a proper get-together" to discuss plans for the track.

"They want to sell, they’re not going to subsidise anything there," said the former 86-year-old F1 chief.

"They’re not going to put any money into it. They want to get rid of it," he said.

"I haven’t made any ‘yes, I’m going to buy’ or ‘no, I ain’t going to buy’ (decision). We’ll wait and see."

Ecclestone vetoed Vietnam race worth $375 milllion!

Mayor Doria also suggested that Liberty Media could be interested in acquiring the venue.

The US company recently said that it isn't excluding the possibility of buying certain circuits which are part of F1's core venues.

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.