Sep03

Rio could live on with long track

Diagram of the revised Rio GP course

Hermann Tilke's vision for the Jacarepaguá circuit in Rio.

Picture: Tilke GmbH

Rio de Janeiro's Nelson Piquet circuit at Jacarepaguá looks set to live on for international races even after reconstruction demanded for the Pan American Games in 2007.

The circuit - host over the years to Formula One, MotoGP and Champ Car action - held its last race on the current layout in August, but plans drawn up by Hermann Tilke may mean the future is not as bleak as once feared.

While the circuit will still be partially demolished in favor of a complex for the upcoming athletics event, international racing may still be able to continue on a temporary course.

Herman Tilke's proposals (above) show the main circuit reduced to a 3.1km circuit, similar to the current short course. However, roads around a new velodrome, stadium and an aquatic park could still be utilised to form a temporary extension for top class racing.

It is claimed that F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone and FIM motorcycle chiefs have been consulted over the revisions, which would see the course rach 4.8km in length.

Work on the Rio circuit is scheduled to take place throughout 2006, with the revised circuit opening in 2007 - the same year the city hosts the games.


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