Brazilian Grand Prix FlyBy

Posted on Friday 12 Oct 2007

Want to know what it feels like to drive around the glamorous streets of Monaco or the hallowed Indianapolis in a Formula One car? Well now you can with our exclusive track simulations.

Our short video previews will guide you round the 17 circuits that feature on this year's calendar from a driver's perspective. Simply watch the low resolution version above or visit the Video Flybys in our Race by Race section and get a unique insight into how an F1 driver navigates his way round some of the fastest and most challenging tracks in the world.

The 71 lap Brazilian Grand Prix will be a true test of durability for man and machine, heightened by the fact that the race is run in an anti-clockwise direction. The 4.3km circuit consists of 13 medium and slow speed corners, nine left and four right, and has a blend of long, fast straights and gradient changes.  

With such a varied layout, set-up compromises are inevitable, and the challenge lies in achieving optimal aerodynamic efficiency around the lap. Interlagos is a notoriously bumpy circuit, so not only is it draining on the drivers, but the cars must have a good mechanical balance for drivability.  

Combined with the bumps, the track is also particularly abrasive, so harder compound tyres must be selected to ensure their survival. Engines are also under intense pressure in Brazil, with the long straights demanding extensive periods at full throttle and high revs, while the high altitude and thinning air saps approximately 8% of overall power around the lap. Plenty of overtaking opportunities, combined with the area’s unpredictable weather conditions, will only enhance what is always an entertaining spectacle in Brazil.

To download a hi-res version of the flyby, click here. Please note that the file is 10MB and will take a few minutes to download.