The city of São Paulo is reportedly "in discussions with three parties which are interested in purchasing the Interlagos Formula 1 circuit," according to Lawrence Barretto of MOTORSPORT. Pressure on public funds, "amid an uncertain economic climate in Brazil, has led to a proposal to raise cash" through the privatization of real estate, including the city-owned circuit. The three parties that are interested "are believed to be a mix" of Brazilian and int'l groups, with former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone "understood to still be interested in making a bid." The tender for the sale of the circuit "will include a clause that makes it the buyer's responsibility to guarantee the race long term." Interlagos has a deal to host F1 until '20, "though its future on the calendar has been in doubt because of the slow progress" of the redevelopment program. Race promoter Tamas Rohonyi said, "It's an ongoing process. The municipal government keeps working on the circuit." Organizers said that this year's event was "close to a sell-out, with attendance set to be at its highest for five years," and Rohonyi "is interested in extending F1's stay at Interlagos." He said, "We would like to keep the race beyond 2020. We have the interest, we're close to be being full this year. But it depends on the terms of the contract" (MOTORSPORT, 11/12).
