The event was originally announced on November 25, 2009, as the first championship event for the series outside North America and Japan,[1][2] and the first American open-wheel race in the country since the Rio 200 at Jacarepaguá in the 2000 CART season.

Due to a lengthy distance to travel from most team bases, the event promoters offered each team a six-figure sum of money, as well as paying for all expenses.

[3] The street circuit race track was laid out in the Santana district, birthplace of legendary Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna and Brazilian auto racing pioneer Chico Landi.

The main straightaway of the circuit was along the Sambadrome of Anhembi and utilized portions of the Marginal Tietê service drive.

The Anhembi Convention Center was used for support facilities and spectator attractions.