A fortnight on from the previous round, Formula 1 returns to the American continent for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The Brazilian weekend features the penultimate Sprint, prior to the final one of the season in Qatar.
The circuit named in honour of Brazilian racer Jose Carlos Pace is 4.309 kilometres long.
The layout at Interlagos is interesting, with hints of an anti-clockwise oval circuit, which the drivers deal with 71 times in the race.
It boasts 15 corners with relatively balanced lateral and longitudinal forces that do not put any undue strain on the tyres, as they are subjected to loads distributed equally between the front and rear axles.
The combination of several straights and much twistier sections offers plenty of overtaking opportunities, although it also means there’s a higher risk of Safety Cars and incidents.
At this time of the year, the weather and temperature can be very variable, with a risk of frequent rain and the inevitable use of wet weather tyres.
This year’s compound selection for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix harks back to 2023, with the C2 (Hard), C3 (Medium), C4 (Soft), therefore one step harder than the trio used last year.
Last year, the dry weather tyres were not required for the race, but when used on Friday and Saturday, they showed high levels of wear, as well as graining, especially on the rear axle.
The circuit had been completely resurfaced, thus leaving a very smooth surface, less abrasive than in previous years, although still with plenty of bumps around the track.
Last year, qualifying and the race both took place on Sunday, with bad weather forecast, the race director decided to run qualifying at 07.30 as well as bringing the Grand Prix start time forward to 12.30.
Dry weather tyres were never used at any time during the day.
Jordan's Track Talk 
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