Rio de Janeiro's new mayor has scrapped previous plans, criticised by seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton and environmentalists, to build a new Formula One circuit in the city.
Rio's Environment Secretary Eduardo Cavaliere said on Twitter on Monday that Mayor Eduardo Paes, who took office last month, had instructed him to archive the process to secure an environmental licence.
"We are officially giving up on the construction of Rio International Circuit in the Camboata forest area," he said.
Mercedes driver Hamilton had last year criticised the attempt to build a new circuit, saying he would be against cutting down forest.
Sao Paulo's Interlagos circuit subsequently agreed to a deal to keep the Brazilian Grand Prix on the Formula One calendar until 2025.
Last year's race was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rio’s old Jacarepagua F1 circuit was demolished to make way for facilities for the 2016 Olympics.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro had backed a privately-built new track.
Addo out as Ghana's coach 72 days before World Cup
Fifteen‑year‑old Sooryavanshi tears apart Chennai with 15‑ball fifty in IPL
Sinner beats Lehecka in Miami final to capture 'Sunshine Double'
Pakistan board charges Fakhar Zaman with ball‑tampering in PSL match
France showcase firepower and squad depth in Colombia win
