By Sam Cooper
October 15 2007

The race is well known for its excitement, and with a chance of rain, an exciting feature in the last two grand prix. The whole weekend is set to be better than ever before, as three drivers stand a chance of winning the world championship in the last grand prix, so competition will be fiercer than ever, as we go into the final race of this truly thrilling season.

McLaren Fans Track Preview

Round 17- Sao Paulo, Brazil

History of the circuit.

The Brazilian Grand Prix isn’t known for its good track facilities or for its street safety, but the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlargos has provided some stunning grand prix, such as 2003, where the race was packed full of action, the race was eventually won by Jordan’s Giancarlo Fisichella.

The race has come under criticism after Toyota personnel were held up at gunpoint last year. The drivers travel to the circuit by helicopter, thus escaping any danger from the residents in Brazil. In 2000, several advertising boards fell onto the circuit delaying practice. In 2004 during the practice session a stray dog delaying the session.

The circuit has been on the calendar since 1972 and has changed hands with Jacarepagua circuit, the Interlargos circuit has hosted more grand prix. The McLaren team have a very good chance of one of their drivers clinching the world championship this year. McLaren have always done well at the circuit; the team have won 11 times at the Brazilian Grand Prix six of them have been won at the Interlargos circuit.

Characteristics of the circuit.

The circuit has come under criticism from the drivers, the circuit is very bumpy despite the race organisers best efforts to smooth the circuit. The Autódromo José Carlos Pace is very tough on the drivers, it is one of the few circuits that run anticlockwise, which makes it physically exhausting on all the drivers.

The engines are put under more pressure, due to the bumpy nature of the circuit, which demands more power. Since the engines are under a two race engine regulations, the lucky few who are on their first engine will be able to turn the revs up, and use up much of its life in order to achieve the best possible performance from the homologated 2.4 litre V8’s.

Rain is not uncommon at the Brazilian Grand Prix, however, early weather forecasts predict a dry race, with temperatures reaching 29°C on race day.

Circuit Map

Circuit key

Last years top 8 results.

Image and Key copyright FIA