Round eighteen is the final race of the 2008 FIA Formula One WorldChampionship and takes the Honda Racing F1 Team to Sao Paulo for theBrazilian Grand Prix. The 71-lap race takes place at the atmospheric 4.309km(2.677-mile) Autódromo José Carlos Pace in Interlagos.
The track is situated between two man-made lakes that provide water andelectricity to Sao Paulo, giving rise to the traditional name of Interlagos.It first hosted the Brazilian Grand Prix in 1973, since when there have beenseveral changes to the layout. The most significant alteration was in 1990,when the original 7.8km (4.8-mile) circuit was shortened to its currentlength. The track was renamed in the late 1970s after local hero José CarlosPace, who won the only Grand Prix of his career at the circuit in 1975.
The track is one of only three circuits on the calendar that runs in ananti-clockwise direction, making it physically tough for the drivers. It isnotoriously bumpy and, at 800 metres above sea level, is the highestracetrack of the year.
Both of the Honda Racing F1 Team drivers have finished on the podium inBrazil, Rubens Barrichello in 2004 and Jenson Button in 2006. The race isRubens' home Grand Prix; he was born in Interlagos and used to visit thetrack as a small boy, before beginning his karting career there at the ageof six.
INTERLAGOS - THE TECHNICAL CHALLENGE
The high altitude and a bumpy track surface provide the two biggestengineering challenges at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace. At 800 metresabove sea level, the reduced atmospheric pressure at the circuit reducesengine power and has a negative effect on aerodynamic performance.
The track was resurfaced prior to last year's race, but some of itsnotorious bumps still remain, particularly in the braking area for Turn 4,the 'Descida do Lago'. To avoid bottoming out, the cars have to run withincreased ride heights, which reduces the effectiveness of their diffusers.
There are two overtaking points on the lap: into the 'S do Senna' at thestart of the lap, and under braking for the 'Descida do Lago' left-hander atthe end of the back straight. However, the most important corner is'Juncao', Turn 12, from where the cars accelerate up the hill towards thestart-finish straight. Good traction at the exit is vital to achieving agood lap time.
Bridgestone are taking their soft and medium compound tyres to the racewhich is one step harder than the rubber used at last year's Brazilian GrandPrix. However, the twisty in-field could still result in some graining earlyin the weekend when the track surface is still green.
Full throttle: 61% Brake wear: MediumDownforce level: Medium / High - 8/10 Tyre compounds: Soft / Medium Tyre usage: Medium Averagespeed: 214kph (133mph)
HONDA TEAM TALK
Ross Brawn, Team Principal
Q. What are your thoughts ahead of the final race of the 2008 season?"Formula One heads to the final race of the season in Sao Paulo with theDrivers' and Constructors' Championships going right down to the wire. Theunique atmosphere of Interlagos and the involvement of a local driver in theChampionship challenge should ensure a thrilling finale to the 2008 seasonand a real boost for the sport.
"Brazil is a fitting place to end the season with the Interlagos circuitproviding an unusual and exciting challenge for the drivers and engineers.The location of the track in an inner city area and the passionate Brazilianfans ensure an edgy and electric atmosphere around the circuit over the raceweekend. The track layout has an almost three-dimensional feel with thechanges in elevation and the high-speed left-hand corners provide an extraphysical challenge.
"By any measure 2008 has not been a great season for the Honda Racing F1Team. We have been focusing our thoughts and efforts on 2009 for aconsiderable time and for us, Brazil will be the closing of the book on thisyear, allowing our full focus to turn to the longer term plans of the teamand our return to competitiveness."
Jenson Button
Q. You scored your first ever Formula One points in Brazil, in 2000. Do youlike racing at Interlagos?"Sao Paulo is a fantastic venue for the final race of the season as it'ssuch a lively city and the Brazilian fans are incredibly passionate aboutFormula One. There is always a good atmosphere at Interlagos. The circuititself is a challenging one for the drivers, which makes it all the moreenjoyable to drive. The track surface is notoriously bumpy and you have tohave a good understanding of where the bumps are and do your best tominimise their impact. It has an anti-clockwise layout which is quiteunusual and this means using muscles in the neck which aren't used to theexertion, therefore the correct training in advance of the race is crucial.I'm looking forward to the weekend and, although we have had a tough year in2008, we will go to Brazil and give our all to finish the season on a highnote."
Rubens Barrichello
Q. What are your thoughts about racing in your home city of Sao Paulo?The Brazilian Grand Prix has always been very special to me and I am reallypleased for the Brazilian fans that they have a fantastic weekend of racingto look forward to with the Drivers' and Constructors' titles still to bedecided. Interlagos is special not just because it is my home track, butbecause it has a challenging layout with some great corners such as theCurva do Laranjinha. There are also real overtaking opportunities, at Turn 1in particular. The main challenge at Interlagos is to find the best set-upfor the combination of fast and slow corners, and particularly the tightinfield section where high levels of grip are required. You also need tohave total confidence in your car and a good mechanical set-up with a highride-height to manage the bumpy surface. As always, I'm looking forward tohaving my family and friends around me for the race weekend and to racing infront of my home fans."
