The IndyCar Series has chosen the city of Sao Paulo for its new Brazilian street race.
The series announced in August that its 2010 season would open with an event in Brazil on March 14, but was unable to confirm the venue until now. Sao Paulo Mayor Gilberto Kassab expressed his delight at adding the IndyCar street race to the Formula 1 event already held at the city's Interlagos track.
"The arrival of the IZOD IndyCar Series confirms Sao Paulo's nature of staging great worldwide events," said Kassab. "It is a gift to the citizens of Sao Paulo who will be able to watch up close great racecars and drivers. It is also a great opportunity for business for the city that becomes the capital of motor racing in Latin America."
Indy Racing League commercial boss Terry Angstadt added: "While our primary focus continues to be building the sport of the IZOD IndyCar Series domestically, the race in Sao Paulo affords us a unique opportunity to visit a country that has a huge passion for open-wheel racing."
The Sao Paulo race marks the IRL IndyCar Series' first appearance in Brazil and adds a second overseas round alongside its annual date at Motegi in Japan. CART's Champ Car series ran on a semi-oval track in Rio de Janeiro from 1996 to 2000.