Ecclestone talks down Brazilian GP future

After meeting with Brazilian officials in Sap Paulo recently, former F1 supremo isn't confident in the future of the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos.

The 86-year-old was entrusted by F1's new CEO Chase Carey to convince Brazilian officials to secure the future of the race.

But Ecclestone, who returned to the paddock in Bahrain two weeks ago, isn't sure the venue will remain on the calendar beyond 2020.

"Chase (Carey) asked that when I went to Brazil, 'Would I speak to the president about the race', which I had done before," Ecclestone told Brazil's UOL Esporte.

"But it seemed pretty obvious to me that he had several other things to worry about than Formula 1.

"So we went to the mayor of Sao Paulo, but he does not want to spend a single dollar -- he wants to sell the circuit," explained the former F1 supremo.

Ecclestone: 'I'm a hit-man with a gun but no bullets!'

Ecclestone himself was subsequently linked to a potential bid for the embattled Interlagos facility.

"He (the mayor) asked me if I would be interested. We can get him to agree that when the sale happens, whoever buys it will have to keep the Formula 1 circuit.

"Then it's a case of finding an organiser for the race, which is a bit more difficult," he explained.

"So I think that if we can't do anything, we will lose it, for sure."

However, UOL reports that Interlagos race promoter Tamas Rohonyi was in Paris this week for contract talks with the FIA.

"The race will be there 100 per cent until 2020," Ecclestone added.

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.