http://www.gpbrasil.com
[spoiler]Circuit Info
The old version of the Brazilian circuit incorporated most of the tight and twisty infield still present today, along with a balls-out, high-speed section. The original layout consisted of four fast corners, split up by long straights, in which the cars would remain flat out for around 20 seconds. With significant bumps throughout the lap, the track was considered very dangerous - especially by 1980 when cars were running ground-effect aerodynamics. That, and the encroaching favellas around the circuit, saw the Brazilian Grand Prix move to the more glamorous Jacarepagua circuit in Rio de Janeiro. When it returned in 1990 a $15 million redevelopment plan had stunted the circuit to today's layout. Interlagos literally means 'between the lakes' referring to two large manmade lakes built in the early 20th century to supply the city with water and electricity. The land on which the circuit stands was originally bought in 1938 by two property developers who intended to build houses on the site. When they discovered that the site was not suitable they decided to build a circuit instead, and as Sao Paulo continued to grow at an astounding rate it was not long before the track was surrounded by houses.
Owing to the success of Emerson Fittipaldi, the country expressed an interest in hosting a race. Interlagos held two non-championship races in 1971 and '72 before joining the full championship calendar in 1973, and the circuit proved to be a lucky one for the local racers Fittipaldi, Carlos Pace and Carlos Reutemann who all won races there. In fact, it was the scene of Pace's only F1 win, and following his death in a plane crash in 1977 the circuit was renamed in his honour.
In 1978 the Brazilian Grand Prix moved to the Jacarepagua circuit in Rio de Janeiro, but it returned to Interlagos the following year. In 1981 it was moved to Rio permanently as the organisers felt the slums of Sao Paulo were at odds with the glamour of F1. It would take a promise of a US$15million redevelopment programme to bring the race back in 1990.
The circuit itself is one of the very few circuits on the calendar that runs anti-clockwise, and this, combined with its bumpy surface means it is considered hard on cars and drivers alike. The resurfacing of the track in 2007 ironed out most of the worst bumps but the circuit still retains the character as it follows the lands contours making it an interesting circuit to drive.
Despite the lack of a real Brazilian hero since Senna's death the passion of the local fans has not diminished and the race continues to draw good crowds.[/spoiler]
Quote:
A History of Brazilian Grand Prix
The first Brazilian Grand Prix took place at Interlagos in 1972 as a non-championship event, and the following year the event won its place on the official F1 calendar.
In 1978 the event moved to the Jacarepagua circuit in Rio de Janeiro, and although the race returned to Interlagos for the following two years, the Rio venue became the sole host from 1981 until 1989. In 1990 the event returned to Interlagos where it has remained ever since.
The Brazilian Grand Prix has seen many championship deciders, including Kimi Raikkonen snatching the championship from Lewis Hamilton in 2007, Hamilton's last-gasp effort in 2008, and Jenson Button securing the titles for himself and his Brawn team with one race of the 2009 season still remaining.
The counters and curves of the Interlagos circuit have thrown up some interesting results for the Brazilian Grand Prix - as has the notorious weather. The 2003 race was won by the less-than-fancied Jordan of Giancarlo Fisichella. Heavy rain before the race put all the teams on the back foot when it came to tyre selection. When Fernando Alonso spun, blocking the track, the race was red flagged. Kimi Raikkonen was initially announced as the winner but this decision was reversed by a court of appeal when it emerged that Fisichella had crossed the line as the leader twice prior to the race stoppage.
In May 2008 the mayor of Sao Paulo announced they had signed a new deal with Bernie Ecclestone to host an event until 2015. This news kick-started plans to revamp the pit and paddock facilities of this now aging track.
http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/page/2614.html
The first Brazilian Grand Prix took place at Interlagos in 1972 as a non-championship event, and the following year the event won its place on the official F1 calendar.
In 1978 the event moved to the Jacarepagua circuit in Rio de Janeiro, and although the race returned to Interlagos for the following two years, the Rio venue became the sole host from 1981 until 1989. In 1990 the event returned to Interlagos where it has remained ever since.
The Brazilian Grand Prix has seen many championship deciders, including Kimi Raikkonen snatching the championship from Lewis Hamilton in 2007, Hamilton's last-gasp effort in 2008, and Jenson Button securing the titles for himself and his Brawn team with one race of the 2009 season still remaining.
The counters and curves of the Interlagos circuit have thrown up some interesting results for the Brazilian Grand Prix - as has the notorious weather. The 2003 race was won by the less-than-fancied Jordan of Giancarlo Fisichella. Heavy rain before the race put all the teams on the back foot when it came to tyre selection. When Fernando Alonso spun, blocking the track, the race was red flagged. Kimi Raikkonen was initially announced as the winner but this decision was reversed by a court of appeal when it emerged that Fisichella had crossed the line as the leader twice prior to the race stoppage.
In May 2008 the mayor of Sao Paulo announced they had signed a new deal with Bernie Ecclestone to host an event until 2015. This news kick-started plans to revamp the pit and paddock facilities of this now aging track.
http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/page/2614.html
20 years on. Looks like it was yesterday. I remember well this day. Senna fulfills his greatest dream by winning his first Brazilian GP. He drove the last laps with damaged gearbox (actually only 6th gear).
[spoiler][/spoiler]
The first Brazilian Grand Prix actually hosted a Formula 2 race in 1971. The event and all the attempts to bring F1 in Brazil was seen back in those days as propaganda by the military dictatorship that ruled the country since 1964. Emerson Fittipaldi was seen as the face of Brazil's rising power in the 70's and the national symbol that the military leaders wanted the most. Here's a rare footage from that historic event.
[spoiler][/spoiler]
Curva do Sol-madness. MS sliding into a stationary Montoya (or vice versa) while they were towing the stranded cars. Barrichello getting cheered on by the full crowd once he took the lead, only have a mechanical failure one lap later. Brilliant racing from Raikkonen and Fisichella. Total confusion about the actual winner, with Fisi's car setting on fire in parc fermé
In fact, its the earliest memory I have of watching F1 live. I guess that race got me hooked 
)
