Speaking at a press lunch in London last week, FIA President Max Mosley said the Brazilian GP would stay on the F1 calendar for the forseeable future, even though facilities and standards at the Interlagos track are not at the level of some circuits on the F1 calendar.

"If we cancelled Brazil there's not another race in South America to take its place," said Mosley. "We have to adjust our standards to what's available - how much are you prepared to tolerate Interlagos against the importance of having the last available race in South America? When we are a world championship you have to have world events." 

The Sao Paulo track has come in for much criticism over the past couple of years. There was the infamous incident when bits of an advertising hoarding kept falling on the track, one almost landing on Jean Alesi. Generally, the drivers have criticised the bumpy surface, despite several attempts to smooth it out. However, it is considered to be one of the most interesting and demanding race venues of the year.