Generally known by its original name of Interlagos, the home of the Brazilian Grand Prix has its detractors, but there is no denying that it provides a tough examination of both driver and car. The circuit consists of a blend of medium and slow speed corners, long, fast straights and gradient changes.
Built on land that was deemed unsuitable for housing, Interlagos has long been notorious as a bumpy circuit although much of those problems appear to have been resolved following resurfacing of the track in 2007. It remains to be seen if these improvements last or if more settling of the land occurs.
The best place to overtake in theory is Descida do Lago, the lowest point of the circuit, and drivers reach it anxious to make a move. Trouble is, it can be slippery offline into this negative camber corner.
Grande Prêmio Santander do Brasil
Top speed:
306 km/h (190 mph)
Average speed:
214 km/h (133 mph)
Time at full-throttle:
64%
Time under braking:
12%
Gear changes per lap:
36
Tyre compounds:
supersoft/medium (2009)
Tyre wear:
medium
Brake demand:
low
Downforce level:
medium/high
Grande Prêmio Santander do Brasil
The circuit's varied layout means that set-up is a compromise between the demands of the first and last sectors' long straights and the middle sector's twisting series of hairpins. However, Turn 1 at the end of the long straight provides the best overtaking opportunity and the aerodynamic package tends to be skewed towards defending this corner. Interestingly, with the circuit located at high altitude, higher wing angles are employed than normal to achieve similar levels of downforce.
Engines are put through a tough test in Brazil, with the long straights demanding extensive periods at full throttle and high revs. However, the reduced atmospheric pressure of running at 800 metres above sea level saps overall power by approximately 7%.
To view this content, JavaScript must be enabled, and you need the latest version of the Adobe Flash Player available here.
Grande Prêmio Santander do Brasil
Key Points:
Turn 1 'Senna S' - Amazing set of downhill turns at the end of the start-finish straight that are tricky to get right but provide a good place to overtake.
Turn 4 'Junçao' - Double left-hander at the end of a long straight offers a good passing opportunity.
