Overall, Interlagos in São Paulo, Brazil, officially bears the name Autódromo José Carlos Pace, and its race currently runs as the São Paulo Grand Prix. The circuit dates from 1938, and its name means ‘between lakes’ because it lies between two reservoirs in the south of the city.
Besides, formula 1 first raced here in 1973, when Emerson Fittipaldi won on home ground. The Brazilian Grand Prix stayed until 1977 and returned from 1990, while Jacarepaguá in Rio de Janeiro hosted it from 1978 to 1989.
Organisers revamped and shortened the circuit before its 1990 return and renamed it in honour of the late Brazilian driver José Carlos Pace. Inspired by the Roosevelt Raceway in the United States, it has a reputation as one of the most demanding but exciting tracks in Formula 1, with challenging corners, almost no room for error, varying elevation changes and a rough surface.
At about 800 metres above sea level, it also sits higher than most circuits, so the thinner air affects aerodynamics and engines run warmer. Next, Unpredictable weather adds to this and keeps race strategy constantly changing.
The Autódromo José Carlos Pace Track
Then, the lap runs anticlockwise with sharp elevation changes. Finally, From the start-finish straight to Turn 4 there is a 40-metre drop, the biggest on the track, and the banking at Turn 1 can cause serious lock-ups. Therefore, the long downhill start-finish straight is its most distinctive feature, and the Senna S series of turns follows straight away, the main overtaking point on the lap.
Drivers must balance their car on the grid because it sits on a slight incline, otherwise it rolls back into the car behind. After the start, the lap drops to the Descida do Lago, a long left-hander, and then climbs back to the pit straight through the Subida dos Boxes.
Of course, the final challenge is high track temperatures at altitude. Rain is frequent in the afternoon, though, and the weather has produced some of the most dramatic races in Formula 1.
Autódromo José Carlos Pace Fast Facts
| Autódromo José Carlos Pace Fast Facts | |
|---|---|
| Detail | Information |
| Grand Prix | São Paulo Grand Prix |
| Circuit | Autódromo José Carlos Pace (Interlagos) |
| Location | São Paulo, Brazil |
| Lap Length | 4.309 km (2.677 miles) |
| Number Of Laps | 71 |
| Race Distance | 305.879 km (190.064 miles) |
| Number Of Corners | 15 |
| First Grand Prix | 1973 |
Conclusion
Still, Interlagos wins its fame through its elevation changes, the Senna S and its changeable weather. To keep up with race times, session times, results and official notices, use our Formula 1 hub, the Formula 1 website and the FIA website.
Questions People Ask
Where Is the Autódromo José Carlos Pace?
Additionally, In the south of São Paulo, Brazil.
How Long Is the Autódromo José Carlos Pace?
A lap measures 4.309 km (2.677 miles), so 71 laps add up to 305.879 km (190.064 miles).
How Many Laps Does the São Paulo Grand Prix Have?
Equally, drivers complete 71 laps, covering 305.879 km (190.064 miles).
How Many Corners Does Interlagos Have?
Specifically, the lap has 15 corners.
When Was the First Race at Interlagos?
Equally, formula 1 first raced here in 1973.
What Does the Name Interlagos Mean?
Specifically, the name means ‘between lakes’, which describes the original location of the track.
Which Driver Gave the Circuit Its Name?
Also, the late Brazilian driver José Carlos Pace.
