Autódromo Internacional Nelson Piquet (Rio de Janeiro)

Brazil / Rio de Janeiro / Nilypolis / Rio de Janeiro
 Formula One, historical layer / disappeared object, car racing track

The Autódromo Internacional Nelson Piquet (Nelson Piquet International Autodrome), also known as Jacarepaguá, after the neighborhood it is located, is a race course in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil which hosted the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix 10 times. The circuit was built in 1978 on reclaimed marshland, thus the course is quite flat with little elevation change. The course itself has few distinguishing characteristics, with two main straights, plus numerous slow-speed corners; however, the scenic backdrop of the mountains of Rio is quite stunning.

From 1996 to 2000 the CART series staged events at Jacarepagua in an accessory oval circuit named Emerson Fittipaldi Speedway having approximately 3 km (1.875 mi) length. The circuit also hosted the Brazilian motorcycle Grand Prix race from 1995 to 2004, and held the Mil Milhas Brasil endurance race in 1997.

As of early 2005, there were plans to partially demolish this racetrack to make room for a new sports complex to be used for the 2007 Pan American Games. The future of this racetrack remains to be seen. In 2006, despite rumors of the race being canceled, the Brazilian Stock Car Rio event was contested on a temporary short circuit combining sections of the oval and normal circuits and the finish/start line was moved to the back stretch, that was cut short to make room for the Pan-American games venues.

Some questioning remains about the project. Rumors are that the project's target is to destroy the racetrack forever, so the area would be clear for building condos. Another proposal is for the circuit to have both a club permanent circuit, and an international-length half-permanent, half-car park circuit involving that circuit and an extension which utilities the car parks of the park.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   22°58'38"S   43°23'46"W

Comments

  • Esse autodromo não é o de Interlagos e sim o de Jacarepaguá. O autodromo de Interlagos (José carlos Paci) fica na cidade de São paulo.
This article was last modified 8 years ago