As Ferrari heads to Brazil for the ultimate cease of the season’s penultimate triple-header, we’re diving into a few of the most fascinating info and stats.
Brazil’s deep-rooted ardour for motorsport dates again to the Nineteen Thirties when the nation hosted its first Grand Prix races and commenced developing the Interlagos circuit, Brazil’s first everlasting racing venue. The bowl-like observe would quickly develop into synonymous with pace and pleasure.
The world’s consideration turned to Brazil in 1972 when Emerson Fittipaldi grew to become the nation’s first System One World Champion. The next yr, Interlagos hosted its first System One World Championship occasion, the place Fittipaldi triumphed, igniting a brand new period in Brazilian motorsport. He repeated his victory the following yr, cementing his legacy.
The streak of Brazilian victories at Interlagos continued in 1975 with hometown hero Carlos Tempo profitable for Brabham. Tragically, Tempo’s life was reduce brief in a aircraft crash two years later, and the circuit was renamed Autodromo Jose Carlos Tempo in his honor.
The highlight then shifted to Rio de Janeiro in 1978, with the Grand Prix shifting to the Jacarepaguá circuit, which grew to become a staple of the early Nineteen Eighties season. However Interlagos would reclaim its prominence, thanks largely to the rise of Ayrton Senna. The São Paulo native’s success and charisma satisfied metropolis officers to speculate $15 million into upgrading and modernizing the Interlagos circuit. The observe returned to the System One calendar in 1990 and has been the everlasting residence of the Brazilian Grand Prix ever since.
The Brazilian Grand Prix has witnessed a few of the most dramatic moments in System One historical past:
Ayrton Senna, regardless of racing in System One since 1984, needed to wait till 1991 to safe his first residence victory. It was a grueling race the place, caught in sixth gear, Senna clung to the lead and crossed the end line in sheer exhaustion, needing to be lifted from his automotive and brought to the rostrum.
The 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix is remembered as one of the vital thrilling races of all time. Felipe Massa crossed the road believing he had gained the world championship. However within the remaining moments, on the final nook of the final lap, Lewis Hamilton overtook Timo Glock to safe fifth place – and the only level he wanted to grab the title from Massa. It was a heart-wrenching flip of occasions, unparalleled in its suspense.
The circuit has additionally been the positioning of outstanding comebacks, comparable to in 2012, when Sebastian Vettel, driving for Purple Bull Racing, was knocked to the again of the sphere on the opening lap. In a unprecedented drive, he fought his approach again via the pack to attain sufficient factors to clinch his third consecutive Drivers’ Championship.
Interlagos stays a spot the place historical past is made, and this yr’s race guarantees so as to add one other chapter to its storied legacy.
Though the Brazilian Grand Prix has a wealthy historical past of thrilling races, 13 of the final 14 victories have come from the entrance row of the grid. Earlier than Hamilton’s win from tenth in 2021, the final driver to triumph from exterior the highest two beginning positions was Kimi Raikkonen for Ferrari in 2007.
Out of 40 World Championship races held at Interlagos, 25 totally different drivers have claimed victory. The circuit witnessed its longest streak of distinctive winners between 1974 and 1992, with 9 consecutive races producing no repeat champions.
Grand Slams in São Paulo
Two drivers have achieved Grand Slams at Interlagos, the place they took pole place, set the quickest lap, and led each lap of the race. Jacques Laffite achieved this on the 1979 Brazilian Grand Prix, whereas Mika Häkkinen repeated the feat in 1998.
Shut finishes are an indicator of this circuit, with 15 races being determined by lower than 5 seconds, together with three of the final six Grands Prix. Over the past ten races at Interlagos, the common profitable margin has been simply 6.173 seconds.
Beginning place usually performs a vital position, however the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix noticed Carlos Sainz obtain essentially the most outstanding comeback, ending third after ranging from twentieth on the grid. Pole-sitters, in the meantime, have made it to the rostrum 27 instances at Interlagos, together with in each race during the last decade.
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