F1 News
Massa "really surprised" about "very strange" idea to have F1 in Rio in 2020
Nicolás Quarles van Ufford
Brazilian Formula 1 legend Felipe Massa has expressed that he finds it very strange that his country's president Jair Bolsonaro intends to build a new circuit for 2020, as Massa doubts the possibility of building a circuit in that time.
The Brazilian Grand Prix is currently held at the iconic Interlagos circuit, a track which has hosted some of the most famous Formula 1 races of all time and is regarded as one of the most loved tracks on the calendar.
Bolsonaro recently revealed a plan to build a new, purpose-built F1 track in Rio de Janeiro, revealing he'd like the Grand Prix to move there as soon as 2020.
Massa, who has had more than one championship-deciding races at Interlagos, reacted to hearing the news.
“First of all, when I heard it the first time it was very strange,” the Brazilian, who now competes in Formula E, told Motorsport Week.
“I just heard our president saying on Twitter that in Rio de Janeiro they will build a new track next year.
“I said that this will never happen. 2020, building the track in eight months, even one year. You cannot say impossible, but almost impossible. I was really, really surprised."
Massa was also critical when it comes to funding of the new track in Rio, as he explains the government could put its money to better use in the city than to build a track to welcome Formula 1.
“When I heard 2021, it can be possible. The only thing is that we need to build the track, we need to understand who is putting the money in because it should be from the private point of view and not money from the government which I think is in writing anyway.
“There are so many things you need to do in Rio such as improving the city. That is more important than putting the money into the track.
“If it’s in the private point of view then yes, that is nice to have.
“A new track is always a fantastic feel so now we need to understand the contract, we need to understand everything around that.
“What I can say is that I always welcome Rio as an important city for the track. I don’t like the area that they are going to build the track.”
