Interlagos Will Have The First F1 Covered Paddock

11/05/2014 - 08h42

When the F1 ends in Interlagos, this Sunday (9), after the Brazilian GP race, the penultimate round of the Championship this year will also be the end for its cramped and outdated facilities.

As part of a modernization process and revamp project that began this year, the São Paulo racetrack will receive the first totally covered paddock from all the race track circuits hosting the main competitions for the international auto racing event.

The structure will be permanent and will cover the area behind the pits and it will even include the offices used by the crews at the race track.

With SPObras participation, the project Folha had access to, will also include construction of a new control tower, new pits, and larger, more modern, offices for the teams. The renovation also foresees the extension of the paddock and larger garages to meet FIA requirements.

"With these renovation works, Interlagos will be considered one the most modern racetracks in the world. This major revamp, will include full covering of the paddock, something unheard in F1. It will bring more comfort and safety for the teams, "said Roberto Garibe, Municipal Secretary of Urban Works and Infrastructure.

Requested a long time ago by the teams who complain about working conditions in São Paulo's paddock, the renovation work should start only next year, since they are still in the bidding process.

By public notice, published on October 23, companies interested in making the renovation in Interlagos have until November 18 to deliver their proposals.

The total cost of the renovations in the São Paulo race track, including the works that began last year and will continue next year, is US$72 million.

Of the total value, US$21 million were used to make the circuit ready for the race this Sunday (9). They include a new and wider pit entry, a new area at the Senna S, and the total resurfacing of the asphalt circuit, which had not happened since 2007.

For next year, the estimated cost is about US$47 million. The costs of this renovation will be funded by the federal government, through PAC (Growth Acceleration Program).

For several years promised by the city, renovation works just left the paper after Bernie Ecclestone, the commercial rights holder of Formula 1, give an ultimatum to the organizers of the GP and said he would not renew the agreement with São Paulo if changes were not made.

A new contract was signed this year and will be valid until 2020.

Translated by SIMONE PALMA

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