The federal government has vowed to help Brazil secure its place on the F1 calendar.

Amid the country's economic recession, and delayed upgrade works at the Interlagos track, the race in Sao Paulo has been granted only a provisional date on the 2017 schedule.

On his way to the race venue, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone last week visited new Brazilian president Michel Temer in the capital Brasilia.

And now, local reports reveal that federal ministers Marx Beltrao (tourism) and Leonardo Picciani (sport) attended Sunday's race and said they were backing Interlagos' future on the calendar.

When asked about Interlagos' delayed circuit upgrades, minister Beltrao is quoted by Brazil's Metro Jornal: "The ministry released funds in this direction last week."

And minister Picciani added: "The continuation of the race is very important and has the support of the federal government."

The Jornal de Brasilia also quoted sports minister Picciani as saying: "This is an event for Sao Paulo and Brazil.

"Working together is essential to ensure the race circuit is in the best possible condition to continue to accommodate formula one," he added.

(GMM)