Posted on 12th November 2015
As we head to Brazil for the Brazilian Grand Prix this weekend for the penultimate race of the 2015 F1 season, Pirelli have selected the P Zero white medium and P Zero Yellow soft tyres from their range for this weekend's race which has been the most popular combination of the season; which has been selected for the ninth and final time in 2015.
With the Interlagos circuit being one of the shortest but most intense laps of the year, due to the circuit running in an anti-clockwise direction, the track is quite unusual in Formula One.
The characteristics of the Interlagos track gives high degree of physical effort for both the teams and the drivers and the situation is often made more complex by variable weather conditions.
The Pirelli tyres this weekend will be subjected to combined forces at Interlagos: in other words lateral and longitudinal demands at the same time. This raises the temperature of the compound. Downforce levels are generally high, with aerodynamic and mechanical grip requirements roughly in equal proportion.
Let us not forget that the re-asphalting of the circuit last year changed the abrasion levels of the surface and it is also possible that there will be some additional patches of new asphalt again this year. There have been other improvements to the circuit this year include a new pit complex among others that have been included for this year.
The Interlagos circuit is rear-limited with the right-rear tyre being the most stressed due to the anti-clockwise layout and this is also the case at the next and final venue on the calendar in Abu Dhabi.
At the event last year, the hottest track temperatures recorded all season were in Brazil, but the race has also been affected by heavy rain in the past. If it remains dry, Interlagos is ideal territory for the versatile medium and soft slick compounds.
But Interlagos is one of those historic venues that has helped to shape the history of Formula One, so it's a pleasure to come here and experience once more the unique atmosphere and passion from the local fans, at the end of what is our first American triple header in Formula One this season; with races in the United States, Mexico and now Brazil.
Here are the facts and figures going into this race weekend in Brazil.
Brazil has hosted the Grand Prix at the circuit since 1973.
Alain Prost is the most successful driver with six wins.
Felipe Massa and Mark Webber are the most successful drivers currently at the track with two wins each.
McLaren is the most successful constructor to win the Grand Prix with twelve wins.
Race distance: 305.9km (190.08 miles)
Number of turns: 15
Top speed: 320kph
Lap record: Juan Pablo Montoya- Williams (2004)- 1.11.473
Winners from last five Brazilian Grand Prix:-
2010- Sebastian Vettel
2011-Mark Webber
2012- Jenson Button
2013- Sebastian Vettel
2014-Nico Rosberg
My five things to look out for this weekend:-
1.Tyre and brake performance- With the track being hard on tyres and also on the performance of the brakes due to the characteristics of the Brazilian circuit; alongside the changes to the asphalt at Interlagos last year which altered the pattern of tyre behaviour, it will be interesting to see how that affects tyre usage this year.
Will this impact anyone's race on Sunday as a result?
2. Weather- With the weather being completely unpredictable at the Interlagos circuit, we could see the weather playing a part in the weekend once again. With Brazil hosting some pretty amazing races over the past few years such as the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix for example, will see yet another unpredictable race once again this year?
3. Red Bull edging closer to an Renault engine deal for the 2016 season- With rumours circulating this week that the Red Bull team are close to signing an engine deal with Renault next year, will we see an announcement this weekend about the future of the team?
4. Manor Bid- With rumours circulating that Manor are being evaluated at the moment by American businessman Tavo Hellmund for an take over, will we see an announcement being made this weekend?
5. The performance of Felipe Massa and Felipe Nasr- With local drivers Felipe Massa and Felipe Nasr taking part in their home race, all eyes will be upon them both and they both perform in their cars. With Massa having a great few races which saw gain some points along the way and Nasr delivering the best performances that he can on the track,. will the local crowd see their boys deliver at a track they adore?
Sky Sports F1 are showing uninterrupted coverage of every Practice session, Qualifying and race for the Grand Prix (and every race of the season) and the BBC also are showing coverage, details for both are below:-
Sarah Jones- @jonesy_laaa
Thanks as always also to @grahamandleigh
