IndyCar will open 2010 season in Sao Paulo, Brazil

The Indy Racing League appears to have finally nailed down the 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series season opener in Brazil. A press release from the league says that the city of Sao Paulo will play host to the event, slated for March 14.

IRL commercial division president Terry Angstadt said the IRL’s top priority is building their domestic audience, but the chance to race in a country that enjoys open-wheel racing was “a unique opportunity” for the IndyCars.

“With strong support from our major partner APEX-Brasil, a significant television package from TV Bandeirantes, a large number of drivers from the country and the opportunity for a unique course, it makes sense from both a business and competition standpoint,” he said in the release.

Sao Paulo mayor Gilberto Kassab said that the event “confirms Sao Paulo’s nature of staging great worldwide events.”

“It is a gift to the citizens of São Paulo, who will be able to watch up close great racecars and drivers,” said Kassab. “It is also a great opportunity for business for the city that becomes the capital of motor racing in Latin America.”

Sao Paulo, a city of over 11 million people, is home to KV Racing Technology driver Mario Moraes. The metropolis is also the capital of the state of Sao Paulo, which features the city of Ribeirao Preto — hometown of three-time Indy 500 champion and Team Penske pilot Helio Castroneves.