The promoter of the Brazilian GP tackles the Rio project: “It’s not serious! »

`New garages, new paddock Club, after three years of work, Interlagos has finished its transformation...

A lot of work has been done. This was part of a reconstruction process which required an investment of 50 million dollars without the route becoming one of those modern super circuits without character or soul. Interlagos has kept its identity and continues to be one of the most iconic circuits in the world.

The drivers are the first to praise the quality of the track, but regret that it is so short...

The old one was 7,4 km and extremely dangerous. It had to be rebuilt and, at the time, its length was the subject of numerous studies to meet the needs of television and the public. If the track is too long, spectators in the stands don't see the cars pass often enough, and television needs easily identifiable tracks. It is also this signature that gives Interlagos value.

A signature that is all the more important today as Rio displays its pretensions…

I try not to comment on this project, because it is not serious. I don't know the person behind it and I don't doubt their good intentions, but there is no chance of being able to build a circuit there in the next 4 or 5 years.

It's not just a question of money, but of authorization too. The place is a former military field which served as a firing base which would first have to be rehabilitated by cleaning up all the munitions buried in the ground which did not explode. It's not even worth talking about.

Are you surprised to have played to a sold-out crowd this year despite the absence of Brazilian drivers on the grid?

People don't come to see Brazilian pilots, they come to Hamilton, Hag, etc. If we had a national driver of the same caliber, it would obviously be interesting, but the people who travel to a racing circuit are not like football fans.

Is Liberty Media sensitive to the popular success of the event?

I hope so. We don't have that many relationships, actually. Chase Carey came here, we talked about everything and nothing over a cup of coffee. It was very pleasant, but our relationship is above all contractual. I think it's important for them to be here.

The Brazilian Grand Prix is ​​the only one in South America, it is contested on a wonderful route, in front of a huge crowd and the city is the most important economic center in the southern hemisphere. So yes, I think it is important to them.