Interlagos Circuit facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Autódromo José Carlos Pace

Location	Interlagos, São Paulo, Brazil
Time zone	UTC−03:00
Coordinates	23°42′4″S 46°41′50″W / 23.70111°S 46.69722°W / -23.70111; -46.69722
Capacity	60,000
FIA Grade	1
Broke ground	1938
Opened	12 May 1940; 85 years ago (1940-05-12)
Former names	Autódromo de Interlagos (1940–1985)
Major events	Current: Formula One Brazilian Grand Prix (1972–1977, 1979–1980, 1990–2019) São Paulo Grand Prix (2021–present) TCR South America (2021–present) Stock Car Pro Series (1979–present) Mil Milhas Brasil (1956–1961, 1965–1967, 1970, 1973, 1981, 1983–1990, 1992–1996, 1998, 2001–2008, 2020–present) Former: FIA WEC 6 Hours of São Paulo (2012–2014, 2024) Grand Prix motorcycle racing Brazilian motorcycle Grand Prix (1992) Fórmula Truck (1996–2016, 2021–2022) World Series by Nissan (2002) SASTC (1997–1999) TC2000 (2007)
Grand Prix Circuit (5th Variation) (1999–present)
Length	4.309 km (2.677 mi)
Turns	15
Race lap record	1:10.540 ( Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes W09, 2018, F1)
Stock Car Circuit with Chicane (2011–2017)
Length	4.314 km (2.681 mi)
Turns	17
Race lap record	1:40.066 ( Júlio Campos, Chevrolet Cruze Stock Car, 2016, Stock Car Brasil)
Grand Prix Circuit (4th Variation) (1996–1998)
Length	4.292 km (2.667 mi)
Turns	15
Race lap record	1:18.397 ( Jacques Villeneuve, Williams FW19, 1997, F1)
Grand Prix Circuit (3rd Variation) (1990–1995)
Length	4.325 km (2.687 mi)
Turns	15
Race lap record	1:18.455 ( Michael Schumacher, Benetton B194, 1994, F1)
Motorcycle Circuit (1992)
Length	4.352 km (2.705 mi)
Turns	17
Race lap record	1:42.872 ( Wayne Rainey, Yamaha YZR500, 1992, 500cc)
Grand Prix Circuit (2nd Variation) (1980–1989)
Length	7.873 km (4.893 mi)
Turns	26
Race lap record	2:27.311 ( René Arnoux, Renault RE20, 1980, F1)
Original Circuit (1940–1979)
Length	7.960 km (4.946 mi)
Turns	26
Race lap record	2:28.76 ( Jacques Laffite, Ligier JS11, 1979, F1)

The Autódromo José Carlos Pace, often called Interlagos, is a famous motorsport circuit in São Paulo, Brazil. It's about 4.3 kilometers (2.67 miles) long. The track first opened on May 12, 1940.

The name "Interlagos" means "between lakes." This is because the track is located between two large artificial lakes, Guarapiranga and Billings. These lakes were built a long time ago to provide water and electricity to the city. In 1985, the circuit was renamed to honor José Carlos Pace, a Brazilian Formula 1 driver who passed away in 1977. There's even a kart track next to it named after another famous driver, Ayrton Senna. The track is unique because cars race around it in a counterclockwise direction.

Interlagos is known worldwide for hosting the Formula One Brazilian Grand Prix since 1973. It has also hosted other big events like the Brazilian motorcycle Grand Prix in 1992 and the Lollapalooza music festival. Many national championships, such as Stock Car Brasil and Mil Milhas Brasil, also take place here.

History of Interlagos

A statue of Carlos Pace at the circuit.

The land where the circuit now stands was first bought in 1926. The plan was to build houses. But after some problems, like the Wall Street Crash of 1929, people decided to build a race track instead. Construction began in 1938, and the track opened on May 12, 1940. Its design was inspired by famous tracks in the United States, England, and France.

The name "Interlagos" comes from the fact that the track is "between lakes." These lakes, Guarapiranga and Billings, were built in the early 1900s for water and power. In 1985, the track was renamed Autódromo José Carlos Pace to remember Brazilian Formula One driver José Carlos Pace, who died in 1977.

Formula One first raced at Interlagos in 1972. The first official World Championship Brazilian Grand Prix was held there in 1973. Brazilian drivers like Emerson Fittipaldi and José Carlos Pace won races here in the early years.

By 1980, the original 7.960 km (4.946 mi) circuit had some safety concerns. The track was bumpy, and the barriers weren't as good as they needed to be. Because of these issues, Formula One moved to another track in Rio de Janeiro. However, Formula One returned to Interlagos in 1990. The track was shortened and updated to make it safer and more modern. Since then, the track layout has mostly stayed the same. The return of Formula One was also helped by the rise of another São Paulo racing hero, Ayrton Senna.

Interlagos often sees exciting races, especially since the Brazilian Grand Prix moved to the end of the Formula One season in 2004. Many championships have been decided here. For example, Kimi Räikkönen won the 2007 World Championship at Interlagos in a very close finish. In 2008, Felipe Massa almost won the championship, but Lewis Hamilton secured it on the very last lap.

Track Features and Upgrades

Satellite view of the circuit in 2018.

One special thing about Interlagos is that it's not flat. It goes up and down hills, which makes it a challenging track for drivers and cars. The many left turns push drivers' necks to the right, which is different from most F1 tracks that have more right turns. This makes it physically demanding. The hilly course is also great for road cycling events.

The weather at Interlagos can change very quickly. Rain showers are common, from light drizzles to heavy storms. This adds excitement and unpredictability to the races.

Track Upgrades and Changes

The track has been updated several times to improve safety and facilities. In 1979, the pit lane was extended. In 1990, the original long circuit was shortened from about 7.87 km (4.89 mi) to 4.325 km (2.687 mi). This change removed some fast, dangerous corners and made the track safer.

For the 2007 Brazilian Grand Prix, major repairs were done. The old track surface was completely replaced, making it much smoother. The pit lane entrance was also improved for safety. The circuit was closed for five months to complete this work. A new train station, Autódromo, was also opened nearby in 2007, making it easier for people to get to the circuit.

Before the 2011 Brazilian Grand Prix, there were plans for more upgrades. These included a new pit entrance and more run-off areas (safe zones) at the final corner. Later, there were ideas for a brand new pit building and moving the start line. However, it was decided to keep the start/finish line in its current spot with the new pit building.

Pit Lane

Interlagos has one of the longest pit lanes in Formula One. It starts before the main straight and rejoins the track after the "Curva do Sol." The pit lane entrance has been changed over the years to make it safer for drivers. A chicane (a sharp bend) was added in 2014 to slow cars down before entering the pits.

Layout history

• 

  1973 layout (JPG)

• 

  1977 layout (SVG)

• 

  1979 layout (JPG)

• 

  The track as it was redesigned in 1990 (the latest major modification of the track, which saw only minor modifications since then)

• 

  Overlay showing the differences between present-day and 1973 layouts

Understanding the Track Layout

The first corner is a popular spot for overtaking. Here, Michael Schumacher (red car) passes Kimi Räikkönen at the 2006 Brazilian GP.

The race starts on the "Tribunas" straight, which goes uphill. Then comes the famous "S do Senna" (Senna S) [1,2]. This is a series of turns (left then right) that go downhill. It's named after the legendary driver Ayrton Senna.

After the "Senna S" is "Curva do Sol" (Curve of the Sun) [3], a long left turn. This leads to "Reta Oposta" (Opposite Straight), which is the longest straight section of the track. Next are "Descida do Lago" (Lake's Descent) [4,5], two downhill left turns that lead to a short uphill straight.

Then comes a slower, twisty part of the track. This includes "Ferradura" (Horseshoe) [6,7], a downhill right turn, and "Laranjinha" (Little Orange) [8], another right turn that is the slowest point on the circuit. After that, you'll find "Pinheirinho" (Little Pine Tree) [9], a left turn, followed by "Bico de Pato" (Duck Bill) [10], a tight right turn. "Mergulho" (Dive) [11] is a left turn that leads into "Junção" (Junction) [12], a harder left turn.

Turn [13] "Café" (Coffee) is an uphill left turn. This marks the start of a very fast section. "Subida dos Boxes" (Up to the Pits) [14] is a long uphill left turn with a steep slope, requiring a lot of power from the cars. Finally, "Arquibancadas" (Bleachers) [15] is a wide, high-speed left turn that connects back to the "Tribunas" straight, completing the lap.

The series of left turns from "Junção" all the way to Turn 1 is often taken at full speed. This part of the track is one of the longest sections where drivers keep their foot down on the gas in Formula 1. It really tests the car's engine.

Here are the names of the corners (numbered from start to finish):

• 'S' do Senna (Senna S) (1,2)
• Curva do Sol (Curve of the Sun) (3)
• Descida do Lago (Lake's Descent) (4,5)
• Ferradura (Horseshoe) (6,7)
• Laranjinha (Little Orange) (8)
• Pinheirinho (Little Pine Tree) (9)
• Bico de Pato (Duck's Bill) (10)
• Mergulho (Dive) (11)
• Junção (Junction) (12)
• Café (Coffee) (13)
• Subida dos Boxes (Up to the Pits) (14)
• Arquibancadas (Bleachers) (15)

Events Hosted at Interlagos

Current

• January: Mil Milhas Brasil
• March: Porsche Cup Brasil
• April: Stock Car Pro Series, Stock Series, F4 Brazilian Championship, NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race, Copa Truck
• June: TCR South America Touring Car Championship, TCR Brazil Touring Car Championship, Campeonato Brasileiro de Turismo Nacional
• July: Stock Car Pro Series, F4 Brazilian Championship, Copa HB20
• November: Formula One São Paulo Grand Prix, Porsche Cup Brasil, F4 Brazilian Championship
• December: Stock Car Pro Series Super Final BRB, Stock Series, Copa HB20, NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race, Copa Truck

Future

• FIA World Endurance Championship 6 Hours of São Paulo (2012–2014, 2024)

Former

• Brazilian Formula Three Championship (2014–2017)
• Campeonato Sudamericano de GT (2007–2013)
• FIA GT1 World Championship (2010)
• Fórmula Academy Sudamericana (2018–2019)
• Formula 3 Brazil Open (2010–2014)
• Formula 3 Sudamericana (1987, 1989–1993, 1995, 1998–1999, 2003–2011, 2013)
• Formula One Brazilian Grand Prix (1972–1977, 1979–1980, 1990–2019)
• Fórmula Truck (1996–2016, 2021–2022)
• Grand Prix motorcycle racing Brazilian motorcycle Grand Prix (1992)
• International Formula 3000 (2001–2002)
• International Touring Car Championship (1996)
• Le Mans Series (2007)
• Porsche Cup Brasil (2005–2022)
• Prova Ciclística 9 de Julho (2002–2006, 2008–2013)
• South American Super Touring Car Championship (1997–1999)
• Stock Car Corrida do Milhão (2010–2013, 2016, 2019–2020)
• TC2000 (2007)
• Top Race V6 (2009–2010)
• World Series by Nissan (2002)

Lap records

As of April 2023, here are some of the fastest official lap records at Autódromo José Carlos Pace:

See also

• Interlagos
• Cidade Dutra
• Socorro
• Roman Catholic Diocese of Santo Amaro
• Subprefecture of Capela do Socorro