RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro says there is a ''99% chance'' Rio de Janeiro will host Formula One's Brazilian Grand Prix starting in 2021 -- the latest in a battle with Sao Paulo, the current host city.
Bolsonaro made the comment Monday at a news conference alongside F1 CEO Chase Carey. Bolsonaro said plans are ''already very far along,'' although Carey said they are negotiating.
The president added: ''We will not lose Formula 1. Sao Paulo's contract ends next year and they've decided Formula 1 will come back to Rio de Janeiro.''
Rio has not hosted Formula 1 since 1989 and does not currently have a racetrack.
In neighboring Sao Paulo, Gov. Joao Doria said last month that the city ''won't give up'' its status as the F1 host city.