57 replies to this topic

[molive]

The São Paulo circuit always generates plenty of comments every year, some pro, some con. Team owners, drivers, the media, looks like everyone has something good or bad to say about the circuit.

The discussions are most of the time centered around a few aspects:

1) the bumpy surface
2) the anti-clockwise layout
3) the difficulty of setting up the cars

Some drivers love it, like Trulli, HHF, Panis and obviously Montoya.
Some others, like Heidfeld and Webber, are just as happy when its finally over.

Also, the installations (pits, paddock, etc) have been criticized by teams like Jordan (who called the old pits "primitive" comparing it with Sepang) and McLaren. Even Barrichello had some critics to make about the paddock, while others seem to like it just fine.

Simply put, it seems like one of those tracks that you either love (hence accept it the way it is) or hate (and wish it would be dropped).

So, what does AtlasF1 BBers think? All things considered: L or H?

[Shiftin]

4) theft...


But I like the track. Provides great racing

[Ghostrider]

I can never follow the American races live on TV, so it is not ideal for me from that aspect. :

Seems like the circuit provides good racing though!!

[FlatFoot]

Interesting track. But frankly the place always gives the impression of being a bit of a dump.

[SeanValen]

The bumby surface is actually a advantage, it's a set up challenge for the drivers, and when your racing, you have to race knowing the racing line is a compromise itself with bumbs, Martin Brundle said this last year commentating and Schuey talked about its challenges recently. Smoothing the track may work against the challenge, although its said smooting the track does not take away the bumps still, it aggreviates it, the great Senna S is a great place for overtaking, long straight, it's a great track and good history.


But the theft, and surroundings of the track overshadow it, if interlagos was in Hungry, we would all be raving, nothing against Brazil, just the surroundings around interlagos give it a cheap look, but perhaps it's got sentimental value to some of us.

[BMW FW22]

the poor background is the charme of interlagos imho !!!

[Shiftin]

Originally posted by BMW FW22
the poor background is the charme of interlagos imho !!!

Maybe, but the bumpy grass run off-area's are very dangerous. Hope they did something about this.

Anyone?

[fifi]

have to say i like it

[Teez]

I wonder what effects the bumps will have on the HANS device. Meaning, will it cause the drivers additional pain every time they hit a bump?

[HSJ]

Hmmm... I quite like it!

[Yelnats]

Good point Teez, these drivers take a terriffic punishment here, especially on the straight. The high downforce settings on this circuit slam the cars down against the track with huge forces demonstrated by the large patches of composite "wood" left on the track from the FIA mandated plank. I can't imagine the punishment endured by the drivers after 90 mins of this. We can only hope the new double strap harness for the HANS device will ease the problems here.

The track roughness is confirmed in a small way by driving around this circuit in the excellent F1 computer sim, GP4, which is enough to give one double vision! The track in this game is designed from GPS surveys and it's roughness by far exceeds that of any other in the GP4 environment.

[molive]

I think the whole "bumpiness" aspect is a bit exagerated.

The track is used during all year by many different types of cars, and the only time the bumps are mentioned is when F1 races there. I think the speed affects the "feel" of the track, so the bumps become an issue only after a certain speed is reached?

Also, IIRC, the site used to be a dump of sorts, so its not as solid as natural terrain. So, even with the high-tech resurfacing they used last year, it will never be as smooth as tracks like Sepang or Magny-Cours.

Regarding the surroundings, I agree, it looks ugly. Its a freaking surburbs of a megacity. No doubt there are better looking landscapes in Europe, but, heck, they come here to race, not to do tourism. There are far better places in Brazil for that...;)

[CLX]

Originally posted by molive
1) the bumpy surface
2) the anti-clockwise layout
3) the difficulty of setting up the cars

1 - tell the drivers to stop being pussies
2 - tell the drivers to stop being pussies
3 - tell the drivers to stop being pussies

What is it that they want? To race at Magny Cours 17 times a year?

[Slyder]

Yeah, I like it, it has its own unique challenges. But if you ask me, the original Interlagos was MUCH, much better.

[BRG]

Interlagos is one of the better tracks, and usually provides some interesting racing. Purely as a racing track, I like it, but it needs some investment to keep it up to date.

There should be a GP in Brazil, just as there should be one in the UK, but neither country should be allowed the privilege of not having to provide acceptable facilities. Silverstone has been regularly attacked (mostly by Bernie) on this score and I don't think Interlagos should be exempt from critical attention either. The bumps are not really acceptable, and nor is that absolutely lethal pitlane entrance (although that is largely the FIA's fault, I believe). But there is not much that the Interlagos authorities can be expected to do about the rest of Sao Paolo that surrounds it or about the social problems of Brazil.

[B.Verkiler]

I kind of like the track. It is OK.

But as a MS fan, I don't really appreciate this race since he came to Ferrari.

[madmac]

I'm not a huge fan mainly 'cos of the bumps & crappy pits. On the other hand the layout & elevation changes make it a pretty good track, so it's a must try harder from me.

[cheesy poofs]

It doesn't look like much but, I do like the challenges it offers to the drivers and engineers.
One of the very few tracks that runs anti-clockwise.

This what Allan McNish had to say about Interlagos last year:

"This is my first visit to Interlagos and I quite like the circuit. It is a lot tighter and has a lot more elevation changes than it looks on television."

[Ross Stonefeld]

I like the lap, a lot. I dont like the track. Its like Hungary for me, it looks kinda grungey. I like really pretty perfect circuits. I really like that hairpin section at indy because the grass is so neat and tidy. Dont worry about fast corners, just give me manicured grass

Another thing im not comfortable with is where the track is located. There are rundown parts of every city and the cities of Brazil are no exception but it seems somehow inappropriate to have a GP that costs many millions of dollars to run is right next to some of the most poor parts of the city.

[MONTOYASPEED]

Originally posted by Shiftin
Maybe, but the bumpy grass run off-area's are very dangerous.

Awww.... what a good fan you are! Always worrying about Jos!!!

[Cociani]

Originally posted by Ross Stonefeld

Another thing im not comfortable with is where the track is located. There are rundown parts of every city and the cities of Brazil are no exception but it seems somehow inappropriate to have a GP that costs many millions of dollars to run is right next to some of the most poor parts of the city.

I think there is nothing wrong with occasionally being reminded of the stark reality of the lives of many people in this world. This planet is not disneyland and if we feel uncomfortable about this kind of poverty than somthing should be done about the opportuinities these people have rather than finding ways to hide the truth.

[DEVO]

I like the races at this track, as per the "look" of the track... it could use a facelift. But overall I like it.

Now, a good looking track from a TV's perspective has to be Albert Park (AU). I was watching a MotoGP race there the other day on Speed and was trying to figure out the location (ocean in background) and thought to myself that is one nice looking track.

[Ross Stonefeld]

Originally posted by Cociani


I think there is nothing wrong with occasionally being reminded of the stark reality of the lives of many people in this world. This planet is not disneyland and if we feel uncomfortable about this kind of poverty than somthing should be done about the opportuinities these people have rather than finding ways to hide the truth.

Im not so much uncomfortable that the ghettos exist, but the arrogance of hosting a GP next to it.

Originally posted by DEVO
I like the races at this track, as per the "look" of the track... it could use a facelift. But overall I like it.

Now, a good looking track from a TV's perspective has to be Albert Park (AU). I was watching a MotoGP race there the other day on Speed and was trying to figure out the location (ocean in background) and thought to myself that is one nice looking track.

Phillip Island. Recently went up for sale I think. Great great lap, and amazing scenery.

[Simioni]

Originally posted by Ross Stonefeld
Another thing im not comfortable with is where the track is located. There are rundown parts of every city and the cities of Brazil are no exception but it seems somehow inappropriate to have a GP that costs many millions of dollars to run is right next to some of the most poor parts of the city.

It's far from being one the most poor parts of the city. There are some government housing for the poor just beside the circuit, but the surroundings overall are pretty medium-class, not any worse than the majority of the city. It's just that Sao Paulo, with some exceptions, looks and feels like ****.

Not that it should matter. It's far from being the warzone some of the F1 personnel makes it out to be. Brazil deserves to have a GP, and the place that deserves to host it is Intelagos even if it as a facility is only acceptable at best. I've gone to a couple of GPs abroad, and wouldn't exchange Interlagos for nothing. As an event it the has the atmosphere and soul that many of the current clinical tracks lack, and IMO that's essential for any autorace.

[BMW FW22]

Is interlagos the only track without a chicane ??

[Aubwi]

The more difficult it is for the drivers, the more fun it is to watch.

[CONOSUR]

I like the track. I don't care about the surroundings outside of the track. It's what's inside the gates that counts. The track layout, complete with elevation changes, is excellent.

The bumpiness of the long, curving front straight could easily be corrected if the right amount of money is thrown at the problem, ie. tear out the entire section and completely redo it from scratch; no resurfacing - complete new sub-base, base and surface.

I do agree that if Silverstone is forced to update, so should Interlagos.

[BuonoBruttoCattivo]

Love the race, always looking forward to Interlagos, one of top 5 (Malaysia/Monza/Oz/Japan/Begium) favourite F1 events for me.
Jacerepagua' was good too.
The current layout is great, love the uphill and esses, however, the original track layout of Interlagos was crazy and daunting.
Interlagos for me had become a 'classic'.

[molive]

Originally posted by Ross Stonefeld
Im not so much uncomfortable that the ghettos exist, but the arrogance of hosting a GP next to it.

Arrogance? I'm afraid not. The track is in the same place for ages, and it just so happens that the city outgrew it. It happens a lot in the so-called "megacities", I believe its called conurbation.

[Ross Stonefeld]

Well thats a little better I guess :

[SpeakerGuru]

It may not be the most attractive track on the current circuit, but it is certainly unique - and that alone should count for something, in today's environment of cookie-cutter tracks! And I do think the track is condusive to good racing. There are some actual passing areas, and the "slower" section is also somewhat technical. I find that I actually enjoy Interlagos more now than I used to. I suspect that the (new & improved ) Hockenheimrings & Hungarorings of the F1 world contribute strongly to my new found affection.

[ruther]

Originally posted by Ross Stonefeld

Phillip Island. Recently went up for sale I think. Great great lap, and amazing scenery.

Phillip Island is AMAZING!

[ruther]

I was born at São Paulo, but I don't like the city. Interlagos is great tough. If Interlagos was at Curitiba, it would be better!

[Nikolas Garth]

Great track, pretty much always a great race.

[dan2k]

Originally posted by HSJ
Hmmm... I quite like it!

I remember Hakkinen saying that if you win at Interlagos, it proves you are a great driver because it is a very challenging track.
He said its more satisfying to win at Interlagos, then say at a track like Spa.
His comments came after Coulthard won there back in 2001, but we know who was quicker and the one that should have won that day.

Its a slippery and bumby track, and this makes the driver work very hard, requiring constant corrections with the steering wheel.
Its no accident that drivers with great feel for the car such as Hakkinen, Schumacher and Montoya have done so well here.

David Coulthard
"The surface of the Interlagos track is uneven, which can not only lead to discomfort in the cars given the low ride height, but also demands that your reflexes are even more heightened then normal, as the bumps can disrupt the movement of the car."

[550spyder]

I race once a month at Interlagos. The complains about bumpiness are exagerated. Interlagos is the only circuit with elevations changes. Of course, the old circuit was better, but f1 requirements changed it.

[gerry nassar]

I love Interlagos. Races are usually quite good and I look forward to it more than most othe GP's. Actually, it seems to me that the first 3 GP's are the pick of the bunch lately!

[SeanValen]

Originally posted by gerry nassar
I love Interlagos. Races are usually quite good and I look forward to it more than most othe GP's. Actually, it seems to me that the first 3 GP's are the pick of the bunch lately!

F1 is like a James Bond film, the pre title sequence is just a highlight and quite difficult to top, the endings of films and f1 seasons, if not down to the wire, don't create as much excitment, no Spa this year won't help, we could be in for a big downfall, thats the danger, but we'll all have to deal with this later if it arises, enjoy the present.

[Jordan191]

Drop Interlagos and move the GP to Rio

[Flying Panda]

Cant comment, as i have never raced there myself.

[tifosi]

Originally posted by 550spyder
. Interlagos is the only circuit with elevations changes.

Imola
Spa
Suzuka
Monaco a little

any I missed?

[BuonoBruttoCattivo]

Originally posted by tifosi


Imola
Spa
Suzuka
Monaco a little

any I missed?

Europe GP
Austria GP
Hungry GP

[Witt]

Interlagos is the second best track on the calendar behind suzuka. It is one of only 3 unique tracks left in F1, all the rest are nothing but tilke-clones.

Always provides a good race, and a good challenge to the drivers, teams and machinery.

Long live interlagos!

[tifosi]

Originally posted by BuonoBruttoCattivo


Europe GP
Austria GP
Hungry GP

Yeah I thought so on Hungary. Wasn't sure about any others.

[TailHappy]

Even Silverstone to a small degree..... mind you, that might be clutching at straws.

[gerry nassar]

Originally posted by SeanValen



F1 is like a James Bond film, the pre title sequence is just a highlight and quite difficult to top, the endings of films and f1 seasons, if not down to the wire, don't create as much excitment, no Spa this year won't help, we could be in for a big downfall, thats the danger, but we'll all have to deal with this later if it arises, enjoy the present.

Yep!! Enjoy it as it happens!! No matter how good the season is - there are always good and bad races. Hopefully we see more good ones this year. Hopefully this season will be one long Bond pre-credit sequence!!;)

[nir]

As a viewer I could care less about the facilities. Its bumpy, it doesn’t have fast corners.
But
It has that long straight which always provides opportunity for overtaking ( unless you are trying to overtake your brother). Not many tracks provide this trivial feature.
It was the scene of the emotional and dramatic victories of Senna in 91, 93.
It was the scene of what was, in my mind, the best dual between Senna and Schumacher in 94. If you ask me, it one of Schumacher greatest victories and I always wonder why people never mention it.

How can anybody not love it?

[Shiftin]

Originally posted by MONTOYASPEED


Awww.... what a good fan you are! Always worrying about Jos!!!

Hehe, that was quite funny actually...

Byt so far Jos has finished both races......

[BRG]

Originally posted by 550spyder
I race once a month at Interlagos. The complains about bumpiness are exagerated.

And what F1 car do you race there each month??? Watch the race on Sunday and see the marks develop on the main straight from where the F1 car "planks" are grounding out every lap. I am sure that it is fine for touring cars but it is a serious problem for F1. Grounding out at 200+kph is hardly a safety feature... :

[550spyder]

Originally posted by BRG
And what F1 car do you race there each month??? Watch the race on Sunday and see the marks develop on the main straight from where the F1 car "planks" are grounding out every lap. I am sure that it is fine for touring cars but it is a serious problem for F1. Grounding out at 200+kph is hardly a safety feature... :

For a f1 the bumps are more difficult but nothing very important. It is only more challenging. As it is equal for all, there are no differences. I never saw an accident caused by the bumps.
I do not need to watch the next sunday race. I saw almost all f1 races in Interlagos since 1972 and these complains about bumpiness always arise. So what?

Interlagos elevations changes are greater than on Suzuka, Imola, inferior to SPA and I qlmost equal to Monaco.
SPA is out and Monaco is a street course with peculiar characteristics.