Brazil: Interlagos Track Facts

By BAR Honda
September 20 2005

The anti-clockwise Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace was built in a natural bowl that has gradually been absorbed by the sprawling city of Sao Paulo. Notable for its difficult corners and tight infield section, it is also very bumpy circuit - despite regular relaying of the racing surface.

Therefore, chassis set-up priorities are to ensure the car rides well, and has high levels of grip in the corners with as little downforce as possible, so straight-line speed remains high. The original track, first used in 1940, twisted around itself between two lakes, hence the name Interlagos. The new shorter version, missed out much of the old track, but maintains the track's stand-out feature - a steep start line straight.

With the race moved to the end of season for 2004, the weather around Sao Paulo may not be as hot and humid as usual, while the torrential downpours, as seen in dramatic fashion last year, may also be a thing of the past.

Honda's first visit to Brazil in 1984 brought a podium finish, as Keke Rosberg finished second for Williams-Honda in Rio. In 1986 Nelson Piquet registered Honda's first Brazilian success, taking victory in his Williams-Honda ahead of local hero Ayrton Senna.

Ayrton Senna tasted success in his home Grand Prix in 1991, the great Brazilian going on to secure the 1991 World Championship in his Honda-powered McLaren. Sao Paolo born Ayrton Senna won all three of his F1 world championships and 32 of his 41 Grands Prix victories with Honda power.

At last years race, Jenson Button and Takuma Sato started the race in fifth and sixth positions respectively. Takuma retained sixth for a points finish, while Jenson retired early in the event with engine failure.