Interlagos Circuit
São Paulo Grand Prix (2021–present) FIA WEC 6 Hours of São Paulo (2012–2014, 2024) TCR World Tour (2024) TCR South America (2021–present) Stock Car Pro Series (1979–present) Mil Milhas Brasil (1956–1961, 1965–1967, 1970, 1973, 1981, 1983–1990, 1992–1996, 1998, 2001–2008, 2020–present) Former: Grand Prix motorcycle racing Brazilian motorcycle Grand Prix (1992) World Series by Nissan (2002) SASTC (1997–1999) TC2000 (2007) | |
Website | http://www.autodromointerlagos.com |
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Grand Prix Circuit (5th Variation) (1999–present) | |
Length | 4.309 km (2.677 miles) |
Turns | 15 |
Race lap record | 1:10.540 ( Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes W09, 2018, F1) |
Stock Car Circuit with Chicane (2011–2017) | |
Length | 4.314 km (2.681 miles) |
Turns | 17 |
Race lap record | 1:40.066 ( Júlio Campos, Chevrolet Cruze Stock Car, 2016, Stock Car Brasil) |
Grand Prix Circuit (4th Variation) (1996–1998) | |
Length | 4.292 km (2.667 miles) |
Turns | 15 |
Race lap record | 1:18.397 ( Jacques Villeneuve, Williams FW19, 1997, F1) |
Grand Prix Circuit (3rd Variation) (1990–1995) | |
Length | 4.325 km (2.687 miles) |
Turns | 15 |
Race lap record | 1:18.455 ( Michael Schumacher, Benetton B194, 1994, F1) |
Motorcycle Circuit (1992) | |
Length | 4.352 km (2.705 miles) |
Turns | 17 |
Race lap record | 1:42.872 ( Wayne Rainey, Yamaha YZR500, 1992, 500cc) |
Grand Prix Circuit (2nd Variation) (1980–1989) | |
Length | 7.873 km (4.893 miles) |
Turns | 26 |
Race lap record | 2:27.311 ( René Arnoux, Renault RE20, 1980, F1) |
Original Grand Prix Circuit (1940–1979) | |
Length | 7.960 km (4.946 miles) |
Turns | 26 |
Race lap record | 2:28.76 ( Jacques Laffite, Ligier JS11, 1979, F1) |
The Autódromo José Carlos Pace, better known as Autódromo de Interlagos or simply Interlagos, is a 4.309 km (2.677 mi)
It is internationally known for hosting the Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix stage and the
History
The land on which the circuit is located was originally bought in 1926 by property developers who wanted to build housing.[1] Following difficulties partly due to the 1929 stock market crash, it was decided to build a racing circuit instead; construction started in 1938 and the track was inaugurated on 12 May 1940.[1] Its design was inspired by tracks such as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Roosevelt Raceway in the United States, Brooklands in England, and Montlhéry in France.[2][3]
The traditional name of the circuit (in Portuguese, "between lakes") comes from its location on the neighborhood of
Formula One started racing at Interlagos in 1972, when the event was run as a non-championship race (won by Argentinean
Due to safety concerns with the 7.960 km (4.946 mi) original layout, including a bumpy surface, the inadequate barriers, deep ditches and embankments, the last Formula One race held on the original Interlagos was in 1980, when it was nearly cancelled after protests by many Formula One drivers – including defending world champion Jody Scheckter. The safety concerns were directed towards the track surface, which BBC commentator Murray Walker described as "appallingly bumpy". Most of the ground-effect cars of 1980 were designed in such a way that bumpy surfaces were barely tolerable for the drivers. These factors meant that Formula One would move back to the Jacarepaguá circuit in Rio de Janeiro, hometown of established star Nelson Piquet and where the Brazilian Grand Prix was held in 1978. After Formula One moved away, the only major race being held at Interlagos was the Mil Milhas Brasil, and the last major race on the original circuit was the 1989 Mil Milhas Brasil. Formula One returned to the circuit in 1990 after it had been shortened and modified at a cost of $15 million. The track layout, aside from the pit exit being extended along the "Curva do Sol" over the years has remained the same since 1990. The ascendancy of another São Paulo local, Ayrton Senna, has also influenced the return of Formula One to Interlagos, and it has stayed there ever since.
The circuit is often witness to dramatic results when it hosts the Formula One
During the weekend of the 2023 race, one roof in the complex came off because of bad weather.[5]
Characteristics
One of the main characteristics of Interlagos is that it was not built on flat terrain, but follows the ups and downs of hilly ground, which makes it harder to drive and demands more power from the cars' engines. The races therefore can be tough on the car and physically demanding on the drivers, especially since the circuit runs
Additionally to the physical aspects there is also a climate component to the venue, the region where the track is located is known for having rapid changes in weather with outbursts of rain being common, which can vary from a short lived drizzle to a torrential storm. This can add a degree of unpredictability to the races and it's classic associated with the circuit. The city of São Paulo itself where Interlagos is located is known by the nickname "Land of the Drizzle".
First reform
In 1979 upgrading work was done and the pit lane was extended past the first left-hand turn (1), making the corner more narrow, and the pit lane ended right in the middle of turn 1 and 2. The present design of the track dates back to 1990, when the original circuit was shortened from 7.87385 km (4.89258 mi) to 4.325 km (2.687 mi). As a consequence of the reduction, the track lost three long straight sections and nine fast curves (5 were lost forever, 4 were made slower and are still present). The original track was full of fast corners and it allowed cars to keep maximum speed for up for many seconds, it was considered dangerous, and in 1990 the old layout was mostly revised. The new track still had a very long top-speed section that contained bumps, high-speed turns and little run-off area though the track was very wide at this point.
Improvement in 2007
For the 2007 Brazilian Grand Prix, the largest-scale repairs in the last 35 years were carried out at the circuit, to fundamentally solve problems with the track surface.[6][7] The existing asphalt was entirely replaced,[8] resulting in a much smoother track surface. At the same time, the pit lane entrance was enhanced to improve safety and to add a new fixed grand stand.[9] To facilitate the work, the circuit was closed and no events were held in the five months immediately preceding the race.[10]
On 17 October 2007, Companhia Paulista de Trens Metropolitanos (CPTM) began to operate the new station of the Line C (currently called Line 9), Autódromo, near the circuit.[11][12][13][14] The Line C had been extended to improve the access between the center of São Paulo and southern region of the Greater São Paulo including the circuit,[15][16][17] improving circuit accessibility.
Planned 2012 redevelopment
Shortly before the
Pit lane
Interlagos has one of the longest pit-lanes ever used in Formula One, starting just before the start-finish straight and rejoining the main course after Curva do Sol. Entering the pits was originally not a trivial task, as the high speed and the left turning may force the car rightwards, out of the pits. The pit lane entrance received some changes to become safer for the 2007 Formula One Brazilian Grand Prix, and later for the 2014 Formula One Brazilian Grand Prix, when a chicane was added.
Layout history
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Original Grand Prix Circuit (1940–1979)
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Grand Prix Circuit (2nd Variation) (1980–1989)
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The track as it was redesigned in 1990 (the latest major modification of the track, which saw only minor modifications since then)
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Motorcycle Circuit (1992)
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Overlay showing the differences between present-day and 1973 layouts
Track layout
Race start is in the "Tribunas" section and features a long straight with an upward inclination, then comes "S do Senna" (the Senna S) [1,2], a pair of alternating downward turns (left then right) that exhibit different attack angles and inclinations.
"S do Senna" connects with "Curva do Sol" (Curve of the Sun) [3], a round-shaped large-radius left turn that leads to "Reta Oposta" (Opposite Straight) the track's longest (but not the fastest) straight. Reta Oposta is succeeded by a pair of downhill left turns that are called "Descida do Lago" (Lake's Descent) [4,5] into a short straight section that climbs up towards the back of the pit buildings.
This is followed by a slow section, with small, kart-like turns and elevation changes. The first of these turns is known as "Ferradura" (Horseshoe) [6,7] downhill and right into "Laranjinha" (Little Orange) [8], another right turn and the slowest point of the circuit; the next turn leads into "Pinheirinho" (Little Pine Tree) [9], left on a plain field; then comes "Bico de Pato" (Duck Bill) [10] a right turn with a tight hairpin like shape; and then "Mergulho" (Dive) [11], a constant-radius left-hand turn that slings the driver straight into a harder left at "Junção" (Junction) [12].
Turn [13] "Café" (Coffee), is a left up-hill kink and marks the start of the long top-speed section. Rising up through "Subida dos Boxes" (Up to the Pits) [14], the driver encounters a long uphill left turn with a gradient of 10% that demands a lot of power from the cars. At the end of it comes Arquibancadas (Bleachers) [15], a wide high velocity left turn that connects to the "Tribunas" straight to complete the final section of the track.
The series of left turns from the exit of "Junção" all the way to Turn 1 is typically taken at full throttle and treated as a long straight. This section is one of the longest full-throttle stretches on the Formula 1 calendar, and thus demanding of the engine's reliability. Other notable stretches of this nature are the "Rettifilo Tribune" straight at
List of the corners with their names (the numbers correspond to the current layout, from start to finish line):
- 'S' do Senna (Senna S) (1,2)
- Curva do Sol (Curve of the Sun) (3)
- Descida do Lago (Lake's Descent) (4,5)
- Ferradura (Horseshoe) (6,7)
- Laranjinha (Little Orange) (8)
- Pinheirinho (Little Pine Tree) (9)
- Bico de Pato (Duck's Bill) (10)
- Mergulho (Dive) (11)
- Junção (Junction) (12)
- Café (Coffee) (13)
- Subida dos Boxes (Up to the Pits) (14)
- Arquibancadas (Bleachers) (15)
Events
- Current
- January: Mil Milhas Brasil
- February: Brazilian Superbike Championship
- March: Brazilian Superbike Championship
- April: TCR South America Touring Car Championship, Stock Car Pro Series, Stock Series, Porsche Cup Brasil, F4 Brazilian Championship, Campeonato Brasileiro de Turismo Nacional, Brazilian Superbike Championship, TCR Brazil Touring Car Championship
- May: Brazilian Superbike Championship
- June: Brazilian Superbike Championship, Moto 1000 GP
- July: FIA World Endurance Championship 6 Hours of São Paulo, TCR World Tour, TCR Brazil Touring Car Championship, TCR South America Touring Car Championship, Brazilian Superbike Championship
- August: NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race, Copa Truck, Porsche Cup Brasil, Brazilian Superbike Championship
- November: São Paulo Grand Prix, Porsche Cup Brasil, F4 Brazilian Championship, Brazilian Superbike Championship
- December: Stock Car Pro Series Super Final BRB, Stock Series, F4 Brazilian Championship
- Former
- Brazilian Formula Three Championship (2014–2017)
- Campeonato Sudamericano de GT (2007–2013)
- Ferrari Challenge North America (2013)
- FIA GT1 World Championship (2010)
- Fórmula Academy Sudamericana (2018–2019)
- Formula BMW Americas (2008)
- Formula 3 Brazil Open (2010–2014)
- Formula 3 Sudamericana (1987, 1989–1993, 1995, 1998–1999, 2003–2011, 2013)
- Formula One
- Brazilian Grand Prix (1972–1977, 1979–1980, 1990–2019)
- Grand Prix motorcycle racing
- International Formula 3000 (2001–2002)
- International Touring Car Championship (1996)
- Le Mans Series(2007)
- Prova Ciclística 9 de Julho (2002–2006, 2008–2013)
- South American Super Touring Car Championship (1997–1999)
- Stock Car Corrida do Milhão (2010–2013, 2016, 2019–2020)
- TC2000 Championship (2007)
- Top Race V6 (2009–2010)
- World Series by Nissan (2002)
Lap records
As of December 2023, the fastest official lap records at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace are listed as:
See also
- Interlagos
- Cidade Dutra
- Socorro
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Santo Amaro
- Subprefecture of Capela do Socorro
References
- ^ a b Interlagos circuit history Archived 30 November 2011 at the Wayback Machine – Official Brazilian Grand Prix website
- ISBN 978-0-19-517456-4
- ^ a b c "History - The Interlagos Race Track". www.autodromointerlagos.com/. Archived from the original on 1 July 2016.
- Motor Sport magazine. Retrieved 25 April 2021.
- ^ "Storm rips roof off stand at Sao Paulo GP qualifying | 'This is absolutely crazy!'".
- ^ "Interlagos será fechado para reforma" (in Portuguese). www.folhadaregiao.com.br/. 14 June 2007. Retrieved 5 August 2007. [permanent dead link]
- ^ "As obras em Interlagos" (in Portuguese). www.autodromointerlagos.com/. 4 September 2007. Archived from the original on 13 October 2007. Retrieved 8 September 2007.
- ^ "FIA tem uma justificada preocupação com o GP Brasil de Fórmula 1" (in Portuguese). www.gpbrasil.com.br/. Archived from the original on 7 August 2007. Retrieved 5 August 2007.
- ^ "Alargamento da entrada dos boxes, para maior segurança dos pilotos" (in Portuguese). www.autodromointerlagos.com/. Archived from the original on 7 August 2007. Retrieved 5 August 2007.
- ^ "Reforma deve acabar com problemas no asfalto de Interlagos" (in Portuguese). www.clicabrasilia.com.br/. 13 June 2007. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 5 August 2007.
- ^ "Estação Autódromo é inaugurada nesta quarta-feira" [Autodromo station opens this Wednesday] (in Portuguese). CET – Companhia de Engenharia de Tráfego. 16 October 2007. Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 23 October 2007.
- ^ "Inauguração da estação Autódromo dá largada para o metrô de superfície em SP" [Autódromo station inauguration signals beginning of light rail in SP] (in Portuguese). CET – Companhia de Engenharia de Tráfego. 18 October 2007. Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 23 October 2007.
- ^ "Circulação de trens ganha esquema especial para GP Brasil de F1" [Train circulation to follow special scheme for Brazilian F1 GP] (in Portuguese). CET – Companhia de Engenharia de Tráfego. 18 October 2007. Archived from the original on 23 October 2007. Retrieved 23 October 2007.
- ^ "Inauguração da estação Autódromo marca início do metrô de superfície, na capital" [Autódromo station inauguration marks beginning of light rail in the capital] (in Portuguese). CET – Companhia de Engenharia de Tráfego. 22 October 2007. Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 23 October 2007.
- ^ "CET Operação Interlagos 2007" (in Portuguese). CET – Companhia de Engenharia de Tráfego. Archived from the original on 12 October 2007. Retrieved 17 October 2007.
- ^ "Governador Geraldo Alckmin dá Início Às Obras de Extensão da Linha C" (in Portuguese). CPTM – Companhia Paulista de Trens Metropolitanos. 21 November 2005. Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 17 October 2007.
- ^ "Companhia Inicia Obras Para Beneficiar População da Grande São Paulo" (in Portuguese). CPTM – Companhia Paulista de Trens Metropolitanos. 27 December 2005. Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 17 October 2007.
- ^ Collantine, Keith (22 November 2011). "Single DRS zone in Brazil and track changes for 2012". F1 Fanatic. Keith Collantine. Retrieved 23 November 2011.
- News Corporation. 15 June 2012. Archived from the originalon 17 June 2012. Retrieved 16 June 2012.
- ^ "Brazilian Grand Prix F1 venue Interlagos begins major revamp". Edd Straw. Autosport. 5 August 2014. Retrieved 6 August 2014.
- ^ a b c "2014 FIA WEC 6 Hours of Sao Paulo Race Final Classification by Class" (PDF). Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). 30 November 2014. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
- ^ "2002 F3000 International Championship Interlagos Race Statistics". Retrieved 30 October 2022.
- ^ "Samaia e Iorio são os vencedores da F-3 Brasil em Interlagos". 11 September 2016. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
- ^ "2002 Formula Nissan Interlagos (Race 2)". Retrieved 5 July 2022.
- ^ "2007 European Le Mans Series Mil Milhas". Retrieved 28 July 2022.
- ^ "Interlagos 500 Kilometres 2018". Retrieved 20 January 2023.
- ^ "500 km de Interlagos 34° edição 2018 standings". Archived from the original on 29 December 2022. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
- ^ "2022 1000 Milhas Corrida Provisional Results". 23 January 2022. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
- ^ "39° 1000 Milhas do Brasil 2022 standings". Archived from the original on 20 January 2023. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
- ^ "2021 Porsche Cup Brasil Endurance Interlagos". Retrieved 30 October 2022.
- ^ "2019 Stock Car Pro Series XI Corrida do Milhão". Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ "2004 Brazilian Formula Renault Round 11: Interlagos, 24th October Race Result". Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ "Interlagos, 27 a 31 de julho de 2022 2a Etapa F4 Brazilian 3a Prova" (PDF). 31 July 2022. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
- ^ "Mil Milhas Brasileiras 2020". Retrieved 20 January 2023.
- ^ "37° 1000 Milhas do Brasil 2020 standings". Archived from the original on 20 January 2023. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
- ^ "2008 Formula BMW Americas Interlagos (Race 1)". 1 November 2008. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
- ^ "TCR SA 2021 » Autódromo José Carlos Pace Round 1 Results". Retrieved 24 April 2022.
- ^ "Mil Milhas Brasileiras 2001". Retrieved 23 June 2022.
- ^ "Brasil GT São Paulo 2010 /2". Retrieved 20 January 2023.
- ^ "Alan Hellmeister - Driver Database". Archived from the original on 20 January 2023. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
- ^ "Interlagos, 8a Etapa Stock Series 1a Prova" (PDF). 9 December 2022. Retrieved 14 August 2023.
- ^ "Brasil GT São Paulo 2011 /3". Retrieved 20 January 2023.
- ^ "Fábio Greco - Driver Database". Archived from the original on 21 January 2023. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
- ^ "SASTC 1999 » Autódromo José Carlos Pace Round 1 Results". Retrieved 24 April 2022.
- ^ "2007 Turismo Competición 2000 São Paulo". Retrieved 12 July 2022.
- ^ "2019 Resultados, Fecha 1, Interlagos SP Carrera 1". Archived from the original on 28 January 2020. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
- ^ "Autódromo do Interlagos - São Paulo/SP - 08 a 10/Dezembro/2023 - NASCAR Brasil Autódromo de Interlagos Corrida 1" (PDF). 10 December 2023. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
- ^ "Copa Truck Corrida 1 - 7a Etapa Truck Race (25:00 Time) started at 14:06:12 Autódromo de Interlagos 13/12/2020" (PDF). 13 December 2020. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
- ^ "2016 Stock Car Pro Series Interlagos". Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ "1998 Formula 3 Sudamericana Grande Prêmio de Sao Paulo". Retrieved 13 July 2022.
- ^ "500 km Interlagos 1997". Retrieved 23 June 2022.
- ^ "SASTC 1998 » Autódromo José Carlos Pace Round 12 Results". Retrieved 24 April 2022.
- ^ "1993 Interlagos Sud-Am F3 - Round 5". Retrieved 23 June 2022.
- ^ "Mil Milhas Brasileiras 1994". Retrieved 23 June 2022.
- ^ "Autódromo José Carlos Pace - Motorcycle Variant". Retrieved 11 December 2022.
- ^ a b "Interlagos Motorsport Magazine". Retrieved 24 April 2022.
- ^ "1972 Interlagos F2". Retrieved 23 June 2022.
- ^ "Copa Brasil Interlagos 1972". Retrieved 23 June 2022.
- ^ "Sud-Am Tournoi de Sao-Paulo 1971". Retrieved 23 June 2022.
- ^ "I Torneio Internacional de Formula 3 Race 2". Retrieved 13 July 2022.
- ^ "GP Interlagos 1952". Retrieved 23 June 2022.
External links
- Official website Archived 20 February 2009 at the Wayback Machine
- Info from the Official Formula 1 Website
- Official Brazilian Grand Prix website (English site)
- SaoPauloEsportes.com
- Info from BBC's circuit guide
- Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace History and Statistics
- Autódromo José Carlos Pace on Google Maps (Current Formula 1 Tracks)
- Ciro Pabón's Racetracks 3D views and virtual laps of all F1 circuits, including this one, via Google Earth
- Geographic data related to Interlagos Circuit at OpenStreetMap
- Subprefecture of Capela do Socorro