Track Preview: 2014 Brazilian Grand Prix, Sao Paulo

Track Preview: 2014 Brazilian Grand Prix, Sao Paulo

The Interlagos circuit, in the heart of Sao Paulo, is the second-shortest lap of the year after Monaco, with a series of twists, turns and elevation changes that provides a fascinating challenge for drivers, cars and of course the tyres.

The medium and soft compounds have been nominated for Interlagos but traditionally there is a high risk of rain; and the initial long-range forecasts predict wet weather for at least part of the weekend. The sheer number of corners packed into just 4.309 kilometres means that the tyres constantly have work to do and the relative lack of any long straights does not give them the chance to cool down.

Furthermore, the track is well known for being bumpy, with high-speed turns and small run-off areas, demanding maximum concentration from the drivers. You get to see great racing going into Turn 1 due to the high levels of slipstreaming and the drivers overtaking each other with some great moves. There's a lot of time to be won or lost in the three hairpins on the circuit in the middle of the lap and also in the last corner Juncao which is critical for a driver to get right to be quick.

Above all, Interlagos is known for its enthusiastic fans and unique atmosphere that come to the circuit over the weekend. It's a circuit where many titles have been decided in the past, but with double points on offer for the 2014 finale in Abu Dhabi, that will not be the case this weekend.

Facts and Figures

•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 pole 10/30 (33%)
•Winners from last five Brazilian Grand Prix: 2009- Mark Webber, 2010- Sebastian Vettel, 2011-Mark Webber, 2012- Jenson Button, 2013- Sebastian Vettel

My top 5 things to look out for this weekend:-

1.Change in weather- As we know at the Interlagos circuit, the weather can change very quickly within a short timeframe. With rain expected over the course of the weekend, will we see yet another great race in the rain at Interlagos this weekend?

2.Pirelli Tyres- With the characteristics of the Interlagos being very demanding on tyres, it will be important for all the drivers to keep an eye on the performance of their tyres for a good result this weekend in Brazil.

3.Engines- With Daniil Kvyat being the only driver to change his power unit seven times this season, he will serve the second half of his ten place grid penalty this weekend in Brazil. But with Fernando Alonso being closer to his sixth power unit change and taking a ten place grid penalty as a result of this, will his engine be able to last this weekend to avoid this situation?

4.Battle for fourth in the Constructors Championship- With McLaren scoring more points than Ferrari in the last few races, the pressure is on Ferrari to score as many points as possible on the track this weekend in order to keep McLaren behind them. However, McLaren have improved over the past few races and are now trying to catch up Ferrari in the standings, will the Brazilian weather help or hinder either team this weekend?

5.Hamilton V Rosberg- With Hamilton winning five races consecutively at Monza, Singapore, Suzuka, Sochi and Austin, all eyes once again will be upon the pair as they battle for the championship finale in Abu Dhabi where double points are on offer. With both drivers will be keen to add a victory at Brazil to their careers and also to help their fight to clinch the title for themselves. But will we see reliability issues affecting either driver and denying us yet another chance to see a battle on the track with the Mercedes drivers?

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:-

•Sky Sports F1:- Friday (Practice 1 and 2) 2.45pm and 6.45pm [Replays throughout Friday], Saturday (Practice 3 and Qualifying) 2.45pm and 5.00pm [Replays throughout Saturday], Sunday (Race) 2.30pm

•BBC- Saturday (Qualifying highlights) 9.00pm, Sunday (Race Highlights) 8.30pm

Sarah Jones