Interlagos buoyed by city council vote - may keep race for 2020

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Interlagos could remain the home of the Brazilian Grand Prix in 2020 following a decision by Sao Paulo's city council to keep the track off the market.

Earlier this month, Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro stated that the country's F1 race would move from Sao Paulo to a new track built on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, with the event held as eary as 2020.

The announcement came as a surprise to the promoters of Interlagos, the historical home of the Brazilian Grand Prix since 1990 who also happen to have a contract with Formula 1 for 2020.

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However, the event's economics coupled with a plan to privatise the real estate upon which sits the track put the venue's future at risk.

But regarding the second concern, Sao Paulo's city council ruled this week not to support a private sale of Interlagos, a decision which, if approved by the city's mayor Bruno Covas, would extend the circuit's prospects for the future.

"There is no doubt that Sao Paulo can continue to host the grand prix. We have security, organisation and we carry out works annually for maintenance in the pits and paddocks," said Covas who is expected to meet with president Bolsonaro to discuss the Sao Paulo and Rio race conundrum.

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F1 commercial boss Sean Bratches confirmed Interlagos' contract for 2020, but also admitted that moving the race to Rio was an enticing proposition.

"We’ve got a contract with our incumbent promoter through the 2020 Grand Prix," said Bratches.

"Brazil generally and Rio specifically are very attractive to us from a race standpoint and we’re flattered by the interest."

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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.