The Brazilian Grand Prix, Round 16 of the 2009 FIA Formula One WorldChampionship, takes place on Sunday 18 October at the Autodromo José CarlosPace in the city of Sao Paulo.
Known as Interlagos from its location between the two man-made lakes thatprovide water and electricity to Sao Paulo, the track first hosted theBrazilian Grand Prix in 1973. The 4.309km circuit is the highest of the yearat 800m above sea level and one of only four anti-clockwise circuits on thecurrent Formula One calendar.
The track's inner city location, combined with the passion of the Brazilianfans, makes Interlagos one of the most atmospheric venues of the year andthe involvement of Brawn GP's local hero Rubens Barrichello in the titlefight will only add to that.
Brawn GP will be sponsored by the Brazilian brewing company CervejariaPetrópolis for their home race with the Itaipava and TNT Energy Drink brandsfeaturing on the Brawn-Mercedes car and the helmets of Rubens Barrichelloand Jenson Button.
ROSS BRAWN, TEAM PRINCIPAL
Q. What are the main challenges of the Interlagos circuit?
"With the Constructors' and Drivers' Championships still to be decided, theBrazilian Grand Prix should be a fascinating and exciting weekend for thefans at the circuit and viewers around the world. Interlagos provides agreat challenge for the teams and drivers with the high altitude locationand the notoriously bumpy surface as two of the key considerations whensetting up the cars for the weekend. The reduced atmospheric pressure causesa loss in engine power and aerodynamic performance while the cars have torun with an increased ride height to cope with the bumps which areparticularly noticeable in the braking area for Turn 4, the Descida do Lago.Interlagos is a great venue and the lap is characterised by long straightswith flowing left-hand corners and a twisty infield section. The changes inelevation give the circuit an almost three-dimensional feel and the electricatmosphere from the Brazilian fans always makes for a spectacular occasion.The weather has been known to play its part in races at Interlagos over theyears so we will be keeping a close eye on the forecast for the weekend.Brazil will be an important race for the team and our drivers and we'relooking forward to getting the track action underway."
RUBENS BARRICHELLO
Q. Are you looking forward to your home Grand Prix at Interlagos?
"The Brazilian Grand Prix is always a special weekend for me and I am veryproud of my home race. I was born very close to Interlagos and used to visitthe circuit as a young boy and began my karting career there when I was sixyears old. I really enjoy having my family and friends around for theweekend and it's fantastic to race in front of the Brazilian fans andreceive so much support over the weekend. The circuit has become almost likea second home to me over the years but it still retains a real sense ofchallenge. Our car should suit the layout of the track this year and youreally need to have full confidence in your set-up to maximise the quickcorners, the tight infield section and the bumpy surface. Interlagos hassome great corners such as the Curva do Laranjinha and there are realovertaking opportunities into the S do Senna at the start of the lap andunder braking for Descida do Lago at the end of the back straight. I will begiving it my all this weekend to achieve the best possible result here inBrazil and hope the fans enjoy a fantastic weekend of racing."
JENSON BUTTONQ. What are your thoughts ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix this weekend?
"This year will be the first time for a while that we've been to Sao Paulofor the Brazilian Grand Prix when it hasn't been the final race of theseason but it's still going to be such an exciting weekend. There's always agreat atmosphere at Interlagos and the Brazilian fans are so passionateabout motor racing and particularly Formula One. Interlagos is quite anunusual circuit and it's an enjoyable challenge for the drivers. Theanti-clockwise direction, changes in elevation and bumpy surface all keepyour attention fully focused and the high-speed left-hand corners add anextra physical challenge. It's an important race for me and for the team interms of the Championships and we will be working hard to get the bestresults possible from the weekend. It's going to be a challenge but one thatwe are all looking forward to."
Interlagos Stats
Circuit Length: 4.309km Race Distance: 305.909km Number of Laps: 71
Full Throttle: 63% Brake Wear: Medium Tyre Compounds: Super Soft / Medium Downforce Level: Medium - 7/10 Tyre Usage: Medium Average Speed: 216kph (134mph)
Race Weekend Schedule (all times are local)
Friday 16 OctoberPractice 1: 1000 - 1130 Practice 2: 1400 - 1530
Saturday 17 OctoberPractice 3: 1100 - 1200 Qualifying: 1400 - 1500
Sunday 18 OctoberRace: 1400
