IRL: A promising Brazilian circuit for the drivers

By ,

The inaugural São Paulo Indy 300 circuit designed by Tony Cotman promises to get the attention of the IZOD IndyCar Series drivers with 11 quick corners, a nearly mile-long high-speed backstretch over a 2.6-mile temporary street circuit.

“The race in São Paulo will be a great show; the track is awesome,” Brazil native Tony Kanaan said. “I can't wait to see the stands filled with fans and to feel their enthusiasm.”


The Anhembi Sambodromo is a permanent stadium venue where the city’s Carnival parades are watched by tens of thousands every year. It’s where the 75-lap race will start and end, and the podium finishes will be feted.

The Sambodromo straight leads into Turns 1-2 called the Esses of Samba. Turns 3-4 are the Air Base Corner, then the cars enter a short straight on Olavo Fontoura Avenue.

There are another 6 corners before entering the last one, Turn 11, a big right-hander that leads back into the Sambodromo.

“It’s a special circuit,” Cotman said. “It will provide a great opportunity for the IZOD IndyCar Series and its drivers to put on a good show.”