Rio de Janeiro’s bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games is crossing the boundaries of Olympic sport and enter the Formula 1 racing circuit at the 37th Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos.

The Brazilian Ministry of Sport is promoting the Rio 2016 bid not only to the racetrack spectators, but also the 380 million people watching on television in 140 countries. 

This initiative is designed to increase recognition of the Rio 2016 brand both in Brazil and internationally, and attract business people and other influential figures from diverse sectors for future partnerships if the Brazilian bid to host the 2016 Games is successful.

At Interlagos, the Brazilian Minister of Sports, Orlando Silva Júnior, and Rio 2016 President, Carlos Arthur Nuzman, will meet with sports and economic leaders, including Tessa Jowell, the British minister responsible for the 2012 London Olympic Games. They will discuss the London bid strategy and the ongoing process of organizing the Games.

Mr. Nuzman said, “Our presence at the Grand Prix is extremely important, since it brings together major political, business and sports personalities, both Brazilian and international, as well as reaching a very large audience due to the popularity of Formula 1 in Brazil and the world.”

Also present will be the Mayor-Elect of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes, and Mayor Gilberto Kassab, who reiterated the support of São Paulo to the Rio 2016 bid.

According to Minister Orlando Silva Júnior, “Brazil’s competence in organizing this Grand Prix is recognized, and we want to show the world we can also host the Olympic Games, in the same way we are welcoming lovers of speed during these three days of emotional competition at Interlagos.”