Brazil denies Grand Prix under threat

Promoters for the Brazilian Grand Prix have denied their race may be dropped by Bernie Ecclestone from the 2017 calendar.

The event staged at Interlagos in São Paulo holds a contract until 2020 but with the track's infrastructure the subject of regular criticism, rumors emerged in Baku, fueled by Ecclestone himself, that the race's future could be in jeopardy.

"Bernie is very fond of the Brazilian Grand Prix and Brazil," said promoter Tamas Rohonyi to Autosport.

"I know he has been anxious for a long time to see Interlagos developed more and more so what he probably meant was he was very anxious this [work] should all be done as good as possible and we have assured him it is all being done.

"We have a contract till 2020 and a contract signed with FOM is cast iron - there is not much discussion.

"Even if due to the economic situation we find it difficult to pay our own costs here, we'll have to do it."

In order to address the complaints formulated by F1's supremo, extensive work and renovation has been undertaken at Interlagos in ordre to bring the facility up to modern F1 standards.

Not only does Rohonyi cast no doubt over the future of the race, he believes an extension of the current contract will be signed in November in Brazil, a prospect city officials of São Paulo fully support.

"In Sao Paulo, we're on the seventh mayor since the race came back and we have never had any difficulty. Every single one of them supported the grand prix and wanted to extend it.

"I imagine discussions about an extension will take place during the grand prix week. By the time the race takes place, we'll have a mayor elected for the 2017-21 period.

"We know the candidates who are running and every one of them has already said they are going to sit down with Mr Ecclestone and try and extend the contract - normally it's a five-year extension."

As Brazil deals with economic and political turmoil, Rohonyi is confident however that F1 will in the country for years to come.

"These things do not affect an international race. Brazil is going to hold the Olympics soon. There is nervousness about whether it will be ready but I was in Rio on Sunday and it looks good."

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