83 replies to this topic

[Fabs]

Do you like it? Do you enjoy it? Would you remove it from the schedule if you were in charge for F1? Do you think it is a good idea to have the last race of the season there? (although it wont be this year, next year it will take place again there)

Anyway.. give me your impressions about this track.. what you like the most about it.. what you hate the most.. your best memories..

[crosshatch]

I think it's a great circuit, one that should be on the calender every year. And it makes a great season finale.

[raiseyourfistfor]

It's a great track, great crowd, but I like Suzuka as the season finale more.

[mkay]

It's a boring track mostly. It doesn't offer much overtaking opportunities, so you have to rely on intangibles.

Stuff happens sometimes, like last year for instance, but overall, it's mostly a processional kind-of track.

Best memories: Brazil 2008 ending, Montoya on Schumacher in 2001, Verstappen ruining Montoya's race in 2001 (or 2002?!)

[SpaMaster]

It's a great track. Very technical. Offers good overtaking opportunities. Not sure if it has to host the last race. Other tracks might be better.

[jondon]

On the plus side it seems to be a challenging track with a passionate crowd, on the negative side it always seems to have a lot of litter blowing across the track, and also memories of an overhead track advertisement board falling into Jean Alesi`s cockpit make me shudder... I also believe that team members and journalists both dread going to the place due to reasons including poor working conditions and personal safety owing to local petty (yet dangerous) criminals.
Overall, whether it stays on the calendar or not will make little or no difference to me. Might make a difference to the marketing men from the cancer stick corporations though...
Oh yeah, I almost forgot, in days long gone i seem to remember a mass exodus of so called F1 "fans" leaving in droves during the race because the local favourite was no longer on track and also have a recollection of seats and debris thrown onto the track by so similar so called "fans" too...
Now that I think of it, let`s just abandon the place. Not worth the trouble and cost to get there...

Edited by jondon, 26 September 2009 - 04:47.

[RiDE]

I prefer it be the 1st or 2nd race like it was in the 90s.

I like it very much. Great technical circuit, love the S, the mergulho, laranjina turns - every track with elevation changes should stay on the calendar until a suitable replacement arrives. Enough with boring flat tracks.

I also miss the Buenos Aires track, many circuits there, IIRC. They could do both around the same time to save on the trip. Both are classical tracks, and much better than those "sand" tracks they're doing nowadays.

Agreed

[Mary Popsins]

You're not gonna see that in Singapore.. And you would wish to have seen the race.

[RetroActive]

Morning everyone, my first post on the board ... Been lurking for a while, glad to join the gang.

A couple of months ago I was on business in Brazil (originally from there, but been living in the US for 25+ years ...) and had a chance to go to Interlagos. This is the report I sent my friends (most were Champ Car fans, who can't get over the "merger" with the IRL), mainly from a "Fan" point of view (not sure if this was the original intent of the thread), hope you enjoy it.

BTW, although my years in the US made me also a CCWS fan, my main passion has always been F1, so guess I'm back to my roots ....

I have numerous pics, as mentioned on the report, let me know if you would like to see them.

All the best to all.


Dear CCWS & F1 Fan Friends:

Been in Brazil (Sao Paulo) for over a month on a business trip. Will stay here for at least another month (or 2, no kidding ...).

Last Sunday I had the opportunity of going to the Interlagos Track - my first time since I was about 12 years old - to watch the Brazilian Stock Car race (and supporting Races).

What an incredible Fan Friendly track! Since it sits on a "bowl" (or small valley), you can see most of the track from a single place! I spent most of the day right across the pit entrance, and from that advantage point, the only portions I could not see were the first couple of turns! I would estimate that I could see about 70% of the track! Then I moved around and went to Turn One (yes, you are allowed to do that! With guaranteed seating!). Amazing views!

A few facts for your information (and/or amusement):

- Ticket price: USD 14.00 for a guaranteed seat in any stand you could find around the track. Paddock & Pits admission: 27 USD (I did not buy that)
- You are extremely close to the track!
- Beer (VERY important, LOL): Sold at the stands in very cool, chilled carts: USD 1.75
- Hot Dogs: USD 1.25 (also sold at the stands)
- Probably around 30K+ fans at the track! A crowd that would make the gIRL die of envy ..
- Changes in Elevations: Unbelievable! And I thought Laguna Seca was cool!
- Felipe Massa greeting the drivers right in front of me. He is the small guy dead on center pic, wearing faded Jeans and black Sweater (7th and 8th Pics below)
- Former F1 and CCWS drivers like Enrique Bernoldi, Luciano Burti and many more
- Donuts by the winners (out of sight, just the smoke seen ....)
- If you look really close, you can see the back stretch (and most other turns), right after the Senna S's.
- Actually seeing the exact place where Hamilton passed Glock to deservedly win the championship last year: Priceless (not in a good way, for being a Ferrari fan ... LOL)
- Bad: rolling starts for all 3 races I saw ... =(
- Bad: No CCWS (or gIRL) gear anywhere to be found


Over all, a very good Sunday, sunburned, ears ringing... (who could ask for more?). 3 races (actually 4, but I missed the first one - Jr Stock cars - that started at 08:00 AM): Stock Cars, Formula Vicar, Pickup trucks (all V8s, REALLY cool!)

Hope you guys enjoy the pics, sorry for no zoom, I had only my iPhone with me and had to lower the resolution in order to email you these.

Keep on racing!

[cheapracer]

Great track, very technical and a good lap combined with patience will offer an overtaking chance on the straight. Too many drivers try for the pass at Pato Cotovelo, the right hander about 3/4's the way 'round but this loses the better chance on the straight.

It is one of the few tracks left that a faster car/driver can make a genuine pass.

[Conny_Mary]

I love Intelagos！Too many great memories(2003,2005,2006,2007,2008，absolutely！）……

[GiancarloF1]

Great track, but I prefered it in the early season calendar.

[wingwalker]

It's a boring track mostly. It doesn't offer much overtaking opportunities, so you have to rely on intangibles.

I guess 'boring' is a very subjective thing, but no overtaking?! Interlagos continued to produce great races even in modern era and crazy turn 1 is one of the most popular overtaking spots on the calendar.

As for 'boring' part: I don't get it. Turn 1&2 are as much fun as a turns can be, a few corners later there's really fast double right hander, then a very challenging technical section and then the loooong flat out section. Brilliant track, if it looks boring on TV give it a try in one of the F1 sims, elevation changes really make you work hard there (and TV image always struggles to capture that). One of the best tracks on the calendar, easily.

[stevvy1986]

I enjoy it, I think it'd be a massive shame if it left the calendar. The track isn't that bad, the crowd are so passionate it's untrue, it produces it's fair share of good races, and I'd say it's a good way to finish the season.

[wingwalker]

It was removed from the calendar???

[AndreasF1]

It's a boring track mostly. It doesn't offer much overtaking opportunities, so you have to rely on intangibles.

Stuff happens sometimes, like last year for instance, but overall, it's mostly a processional kind-of track.

I am confused. What are you talking about???? This is INTERLAGOS not Aida.

[jeze]

I think the atmosphere is lovely! That and Monza are the only tracks that can sound like a football stadium if their driver deos well, and that's a thing I really appreciate about the place! As for the track itself, I believe it's a very exciting layout with a good mix of slow, medium and fast turns (Ferradura is just awesome). Since the bumps were removed it's a place where you can take alternative lines as well, so that makes it even more entertaining!

[Slyder]

I think it's a great circuit, but I honestly prefer Suzuka as the season closer rather than Interlagos.

I guess it's the old man inside me ;)

[Brawn BGP 001]

It's a great track, great crowd, but I like Suzuka as the season finale more.

This. I would not mind Interlagos starting the season.

[Ferrim]

I like its "flowing" nature. I mean, there's nothing similar to a chicane on this track, and I don't like chicanes!

The track itself is the one which has remained unchanged for the most time, it's exactly as it was 20 years ago. And that's not a bad thing in my book

[santori]

A wonderful track and a great way to end the year. Up there with Spa, Monaco and Suzuka as a track to demonstrate the skill of F1 drivers and it often produces the best races of the four.

Edited by santori, 26 September 2009 - 10:37.

[Kucki]

A classic track that produces great racing

[Alonzo]

Fabs, why asking this right now?

[VicR]

Interlagos is a top five F1 circuit for both racing and atmosphere. Of course it should stay. With that in mind and the climate it's basicly the only circuit you can end the season at. It's Interlagos, somewhere else in South America or the middle east. Sao Paulo is fantastic in other ways as well...

[Korben82]

Great circuit (love the elevation changes), great crowd and a great season finale. We're gonna miss it this year, Bahrein's gonna be deserted (yeah... I know )

[SPBHM]

It's a boring track mostly. It doesn't offer much overtaking opportunities, so you have to rely on intangibles.

what? it's far from the worse in the overtaking opportunities
http://www.cliptheap...c...?f=51&t=822

it's a perfect track to a season finale because of the time, very good for the european audience, also it's a place where things happen... and I love the track, it's in F1 since the early 70's, exists since the early 40's, have lot's of history and in the current form is quite good, even more if you compare to some boring tracks that we have currently in F1...
it isn't modern and with a cool looking architechture, but the track is great, and the guys that keep the track going on should be proud of it, in a country like Brazil... Jacarepagua was destroyed with no mercy to build some useless things.

[noikeee]

what? it's far from the worse in the overtaking opportunities
http://www.cliptheap...c...?f=51&t=822

Great analysis

Interlagos, despite a shadow of the absolutely nuts track they had there in the 70s, is still by far one of the best in the current calendar. Fun layout, looks great with the elevations which give it character, has a great crowd and has thrown two of the craziest finales I have ever seen, in the last two years. It does apparently have big logistical problems, but from a TV spectator point of view, it's great.

[Fabs]

Hey guys, thanks for the feedback

I am working on an article that will celebrate the 20th edition since Interlagos came back to F1 in 1990 and I wanted some unbiased opinions from hardcore fans..

I really love the track but it is always good to read other opinions..

Personally I think the track has hosted some really great races recently but I was not sure if it was because of the qualities of the circuit itself or because of the crazy weather and circumstances..

Well. .it seems Interlagos is generally highly rated by F1 fans around the world.. which is a surprise for me, because I always read many praises to Spa or Suzuka but never Interlagos.

Thanks again

[Alonzo]

Fabs, are you a reporter?

[TimEaston]

I think it should stay but Bernie should stop moaning about Silverstone's facilities when he puts up with Interlagos's poor facilities.

[Crazy Ninja]

I absolutely adore Interlagos. It's what Formula 1 circuits should be. A challenge for the drivers, overtaking opportunities, a unique start/finish stright (remember when all f1 tracks looked different ), an awesome atmosphere and great elevation changes.







Although i do prefer Suzuka and Spa but ssssshhhh

Edited by Crazy Ninja, 26 September 2009 - 20:07.

[pippin]

On the Playstation this is a great circuit to race on, with the elevation changes and some tricky corners, which I often get wrong. I also really love that long climb up hill at the end of the lap.

As a spectator although its not my favourite circuit, it has produced some memorable races. One reason I like it on the calendar is because it is one of the few anti-clockwise circuits. Also that first corner is so so tricky at the start. The rain usually helps mix things up too, although I have to say it does have a problem with drainage, which really wreaked havoc in 2003.

Overall I'd definitely miss it if it wasn't on the calendar.

[ryan86]

I actually prefer it as the season finale. Partly becuase of where I am in the world (UK), I like that you wake up and you have a whole days build-up to the season finale. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind up getting up at four o'clock in the morning to watch the race, but I honestly do prefer that build up, rather than it hidden in the middle of the night.

I know Japan is a passionate nation about their F1 and the Abu Dhabians should be given a chance before I criticise it took much, but I do like tracks to be colusseums. Two years in successsion we have a Brazillian in the title race, and I do like that home crowd, place is rocking feel. That's something you don't seem to get in any of the tracks anymore.

The track, I like it, but the atmosphere is the best bit.

[Mark A]

Considering the down at heal nature of the place and the fact stuff gets nicked every year from the teams and there are stories of team personell getting held up at gun point etc I really struggle to understand why it's still on the calendar considering the issues tracks like Spa, Silverstone etc have gone through because Bernie didn't think the facilities were upto the new world circuits.

The track it'self seems to produce interesting races, although I'm not sure thats down to the circuit layout, more what is happening with the drivers/cars (and the occasional downpour and flooding) and it's usually towards the end of the season so there is usually some excitement from a championship POV. If it was mid-season I think we would have really boring races there.

[Nitropower]

It's a great track, it has a little bit of everything: fast corners, long straights, ups and downs, chicanes, and it's counterclock. It's a great track and there has been a lot of action there lately. I'd prefer it not to be always the season finale and be changed every year.

[Flexa]

Technicalities ppl already said.


I was in an empty Interlagos a few days ago, they're working there obviously for the f1 event to happen next month, it was a rainny day (although it wasn't rainning anymore at the said moment) but the track was still wet so the work stopped for some time obviously.


This experience persnally was beautifully emotional, it's a place that transmits strong contrasting feelings and when you see it like that, empty, alone, thoughts of past events start flowing.

Walking by the track I passed by the "S" and imagined Ayrton and the engineers planning that curve, also the victory with 6th gear, but also I imagined the ppl looking for the yellow helmet in 1995 and not finding it anymore, the red helmet in it's last glimpses, you start imagining ,now more recently, how Lewis felt two years ago, but also how he felt 1 year ago, you start wondering also how Felipe felt, also Kimi when alerted about what was happening 2 years ago in the first laps, in the sides you look and notice still lyiing inactivated there in the floor memories of the past 70 design, then start enumerating the great names that won in this place, that raced, that helped writting the history of it during all these decades.

Well I don't know if Interlagos is really a circuit, perhaps...it's a stage.

Edited by Flexa, 27 September 2009 - 04:04.

[George Costanza]

It is one of the greatest F1 tracks of all time.

Edited by George Costanza, 27 September 2009 - 04:28.

[Fabs]

Fabs, are you a reporter?

Hey Alonzo, Yeah.. I am! when I finish the article, I will post it for you guys

[SpaMaster]

Hey Alonzo, Yeah.. I am! when I finish the article, I will post it for you guys

So, remember lot of fans really like the track and consider it to be technical.;) I have heard drivers also say the same. Looking forward to see the article.

[mursuka80]

Awesome track This place always provides great races and i dont understand people who call it boring

[Flexa]

Look a this weekend...

At times like these is that we make more value of what we already have.

Like someone said, Interlagos, about 20 years after, and still same track.

Edited by Flexa, 27 September 2009 - 14:35.

[Scotracer]

I've never really liked it much to be honest. I don't know what I dislike about it but never enjoy the F1 circus going there.

[Seanspeed]

Its a great track. Setting the car up is not straightforward as there's a real long straight, but there's also lots of medium/high speed corners. The end of the straight is a very good overtaking spot. The 1st turn provides plenty of action at the start of the race. There's nice elevation changes throughout the track. There's always a chance of rain. And the crowd is always enthusiastic and packed.

What more could you want?

[Atreiu]

IMO, it's one of the tracks that must be on the calendar. Exciting races, enthusiastic crowd, rain mixing things up and a very nice feeling of being built where people care, instead of in the middle of nowhere.

[Flexa]

Interlagos delivers, again.

[SPBHM]

how can anyone don't like this track!?

[Flexa]

i ask that myself too

[D.M.N.]

Best on the calendar. 'Nuff said.