Renovation planned at Interlagos
The Interlagos circuit is expected to modernize in the coming months with new pits, a slightly revised track layout, and possibly the renewal of its contract with F1.
Bernie Ecclestone has not hidden his desire to see the Interlagos circuit modernized in the coming years, and the FOM boss seems to have been heard, as the Sao Paulo government has reportedly put in place a modernization plan for the Brazilian circuit.
Interlagos should thus equip itself with a new paddock, located on the straight that follows the Senna esses. The construction of these new pits could begin within a month and be completed by next year, which could also lead to a modification of the track (see here), with an extension of this straight and the creation of new turns. The starting area should also be modified to be situated on this same straight.
These works, whose cost is estimated at almost 70 million euros, should be covered by the Ministry of Tourism and the city of Sao Paulo with the aim of maintaining Formula 1 in Brazil and in the city of Sao Paulo, according to spokesperson Nunzio Briguglio, quoted by the daily O Estado de S. Paulo.
These new stands are expected to rise to three floors, including a new VIP area, a new podium, a new media center, and a new control room for the FIA. Unlike Silverstone, which carried out similar work with the creation of The Wing complex while retaining the old paddock, the Interlagos track is expected to see the current stands demolished once the new ones are completed.
With the implementation of these works, a new contract could be signed between the FOM and the event promoters to ensure the presence of the Brazilian Grand Prix on the Formula 1 World Championship calendar until 2020.
