23/09/2005
NEWS STORY
Every year, when the F1 'circus' comes to town, the brothel owners of Sao Paulo welcome it with open arms, while the girls... well, they just welcome it.
Advertisements pop-up all over the city, as the brothel owners welcome race fans, team crew, the media, and who knows who else.
However, since taking office, Sao Paulo's new Mayor, Jose Serra, has taken a hard line on the brothels and their advertising methods.
Two of Sao Paulo's major brothels have been closed down ahead of this weekend's race after posting adverts on more than 30 hoardings around the city.
In addition to closing the establishments, sealing their doorways with concrete blocks, white sheets have been placed over the hoardings, one of which featured a man in racing overalls taking part in some form of naughtiness - with the legend; "Do you know what happens after the podium?" writ large.
Prostitution in Brazil is legal, however, pimping is not.
Bet you were expecting a punchline.