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2009 Brazilian Grand Prix - Race Briefing

Formula One is back at the familiar venue of Interlagos in Brazil. The circuit has hosted many exciting races and the final preparations are being made ahead of this weekend’s race. Find out the latest from the paddock in Brazil.

Interlagos, Brazil - 18 October 2009

Weather Conditions

Interlagos

Location - Interlagos

Air temp - 18°C
Humidity - 94%
Winds - 17mph SSW

Last Updated - 11:20 GMT, 15th October 2009

Welcome to Interlagos

Giancarlo Fisichella

Gareth Lowe here, Shell Trackside Analyst, reporting from the Shell Trackside Laboratory at Interlagos. Brazil has played host to Formula One Grands Prix since 1973 and in recent history has provided the venue for the last race and final showdown to the Formula One Calendar. This year however, there is still one more race to go so the team will not be able to relax following the race on Sunday.

The 4.4 km circuit is a challenging and exciting track for the entire team. The enthusiasm of the fans is married with both the technical and high speed characteristics of the circuit. Racing in an anti-clockwise direction, the drivers experience extreme G-forces on their neck muscles through the high speed left hand corners and will have to be physically prepared for the 71 race laps. The team has to compromise between downforce and drag around Interlagos, as half of the lap demands high speeds (owing to one of the longest straights on the calendar) and the other half requires technical ability.

The team will need to have a good aerodynamic package to give the drivers the high amount of downforce they need in the technical second sector, often regarded as the section of the track which makes or breaks lap times. The circuit’s additional challenge is its high altitude as the track climbs to 800 meters above sea level, which creates an ambient pressure that can cause up to an 8% reduction in the engine’s power output. Shell works closely with Ferrari to provide the optimum Shell V-Power Racing fuel and Shell Helix Ultra lubricants to counteract the negative effects of the altitude. This helps the team perform to their maximum throughout the steep incline in the final sector where the F60 needs optimum engine output to register quick lap times.

The team has a good record in Brazil, having won the last three races at Interlagos, so we are optimistic for a positive weekend before we head to the desert heat of Abu Dhabi and the season finale.

Enjoy the race.