World Motorsport
Interlagos
Address : Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, Avenue Senador Teotonio Vilela, Sao Paulo 261
Tel : (55) 521-9911
Fax :
Web : www.ainterlagos.com
Circuit Information
Type : Permanent Road Track
Length : 2.687 miles / 4.324 km
Corners : 13
Description
The Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace itself is still commonly called Interlagos, although this hasn't been its official name since the 1970s.
The first ever Brazilian Grand Prix race event (1973) was held at this Interlagos racing circuit, which is situated in the Interlagos suburb of Sao Paolo. At the time, the Interlagos circuit (Autodromo Carlos Pace) was 7.96 kilometres long and set between two lakes, which have since disappeared. The Brazilian Emerson Fittipaldi won the inaugural 1973 race in a Lotus. In 1978 the race was moved from Interlagos race circuit to the Jacarepagua circuit near Rio de Janeiro. In 1979 Interlagos managed to get its race back, but by 1981 however, Rio had retaken the Grand Prix, with the slums of Interlagos being at odds with the glamorous image Formula One racing wanted to portray. After an extensive $15m redevelopment programme during the heyday of Ayrton Senna, a Sao Paulo local, the race finally moved back to the Interlagos circuit in 1990.
The Autodromo Carlos Pace Interlagos circuit presents a unique challenge , with its combination of bumps, high altitude, counter-clockwise layout, and long straights mixed with flowing corners. Despite attempts to smooth the track, its defining characteristics are a bumpy surface, a long uphill straight and its undulating flowing corners. A strong engine is rewarded, whilst efficient aerodynamics are a must on this mid to low downforce track. The city centre of Sao Paulo lies 750 metres above sea level, the racetrack some 50m higher at 800 meters. The low air density causes all engines around an 8% loss of power.