Interlagos Circuit to host Sao Paulo GP until 2025

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The Formula One Group has announced that Interlagos Circuit will host the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil until 2025.

Interlagos, the historical home of the Brazilian GP, was previously expected to drop off the F1 calendar, with the country's event transferred to a new venue at Rio de Janeiro.

However, local environmental opposition eventually squashed Rio's plans which were supported by Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro.

Therefore, Formula 1 has renewed its contract with Interlagos, but the event will be managed by a new promoter, Brasil Motorsport, a company linked to Abu Dhabi investment group Mubadala.

"Brazil is a very important market for Formula 1 with devoted fans and a long history in the sport,” said Formula 1’s outgoing CEO Chase Carey.

"The race in Brazil has always been a highlight for our fans, the drivers and our partners and we look forward to providing Formula 1 fans with an exciting race at Interlagos in 2021 and over the next five years."

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Sao Paulo Mayor Bruno Covas says Brazil's vibrant city "made a tremendous effort" to keep its F1 event on the sport's schedule.

"It is a great joy to be able to announce that Interlagos will continue to host one of the of the most important events in world motorsports," said Covas.

"We made a tremendous effort to keep the race in our city. We have robust infrastructure for tourists, public safety and offer top-notch services.

"We believe that hosting the Grand Prix, in addition to promoting our city to the world, will continue to bring important contributions such as job creation and income generation. We have seen studies that show that for every R$1 invested in the São Paulo GP, R$5.20 is generated for the local economy."

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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.