Brasi 2016 - Autodromo Carlos Pace Interlagos

[Nitrodaze]

Formally named Interlagos in the city of Sao Paolo, this track has a length of 4.3km, 71 of the most weltering laps with 15 of some of the most challenging corners and chicanes. The race is in an anticlockwise direction with a short sprint to the first corner that pours into the exciting Senna S.

Alain Prost remains the most successful driver to race the Interlagos circuit, winning it 6 times. The race lap record of 1:11:473 is held by Juan Pablo Montoya in 2004 and remains unchallenged to date. The fastest lap ever done in interlagos was by Rubens Barrichello in the Ferrari F2004 during qualifying at 1:09:822 in 2004.

Cold brakes at the start usually see cars egging it at the first corner which is also a downward slope. The track has over 10 elevation changes which makes this track incredibly challenging in the wet. And when it rains at Interlagos, it pours in the bucket load.

On the current grid, Massa, Vettel and Rosberg have each won it twice. This is a track Hamilton has yet to win. Rosberg won it in 2014 and 2015. He could make it a hat trick if he wins this weekend. Which would make him the most successful driver in the current grid to race Interlagos.

A win for Rosberg this weekend would conclude the fight for the drivers title and make him the Drivers Champion of 2016. If he finish lower than 3rd and Hamilton wins, it would mean the title would be decided in Abu Dhabi with Hamilton in a stronger position of clinching the title. Let the race begin :-)

Talking points this weekend:-

1. Paddy Lowe may be off to Ferrari
2. Magnussen joins Haas for 2017 and 2018
3. Ocon signed by Force India
4. Charlie Whiting joins the drivers press conference to set the record straight on Mexico
5. Ferrari Appeals for reinstatement of Vettels 3rd position at Mexico
6. It is Felipe Massa's last race at Interlagos in a F1 car. We wish him all the best.

[AndyL]

Brazil is invariably an exciting race. Rain is forecast for the weekend so it could be an eventful one. Imagine if rain falls on the last lap, causing a slick-shod leading car to spin off, giving Rosberg vital points to seal the championship

In a way I hope Nico does wrap up the title this weekend, because this race is a more fitting finale than Abu Dhabi.

[Tazio]

That Fred is a real cut up, classic:
https://twitter.com/ThisisF1/status/797135195975467008

[Nitrodaze]

It is amazing how close the 1.6 litre V6 hybrid engines are to the great V10 naturally aspirated 3 litre engine in the mighty Ferrari F2004. Hamilton's Qualifying time was 1:10:736 this weekend which is not far off Ruben Barrichello's 1:09:822 time from 2004. This Mercedes hybrid engine would probably put the Mercedes in the top end of the midfield of the 2004 season.

[AndyL]

It is amazing how close the 1.6 litre V6 hybrid engines are to the great V10 naturally aspirated 3 litre engine in the mighty Ferrari F2004. Hamilton's Qualifying time was 1:10:736 this weekend which is not far off Ruben Barrichello's 1:09:822 time from 2004. This Mercedes hybrid engine would probably put the Mercedes in the top end of the midfield of the 2004 season.

Without the fuel flow limit, they'd be way ahead.

[Bagwan]

At this point , you can't write a better scenario for the race .

Lewis is on pole , with a Finn Ferrari , and a loose cannon Bull tight behind , and a forecast that has a damp flavour .

Lewis has the edge over Nico in rain , but Bulls have better aeros , so no guarantee Merc will win .

And , whilst Toto talks to Jos , Max must be thinking of how to exploit the edgy focus of the two guys on the front row .
They are already nervous about him being there , so why not just jam into that first corner and watch them scatter , as they both need the finish to try and finish off , or extend the season .

Could be two or three cars into the daisies at the first corner .

[Stan Reid]

Well, Nico can play it safe doing follow the leader or he can win and end it today as champion.

[Nitrodaze]

Haas headache!

Grosjean crashed out heading for the grid. It looks like a safety car start.

[steveaki13]

Hi guys. Long time no speak......

So this is the day when the championship is formed. Nico either wins it or its right on to the last round. Rain adding to the spice for the start.

Love to see a standing start but never sure Charlie is brave enough these days. Normally chickens out for a SC start.

[steveaki13]

Poor old Grosjean. Not much he could do judging by the Renault nearly losing it seconds later.

Haas must be gutted after that amazing 7th