Brazil – Presentation: Obrigado Felipe!
Now part of the penultimate round of the season, the Brazilian Grand Prix is a national event for a certain driver. A year ago, Felipe Massa was bidding farewell, which became a goodbye, to his fans for what was supposed to be his last Grand Prix on home soil. That didn't happen, as he returned this season, and the Interlagos race will indeed be his last at home this time. Discover the highlights of this nineteenth round held in the land of samba.
« Brazil, my home race! It’s always a special moment, and I’m not ready to forget what happened last year. My result last season was disastrous, but the love from the public and their welcome were amazing. It’s great to race at home, on a track where I started my career, and I’m looking forward to having a good race, that’s the most important thing. »
The vibrant tribute that Felipe Massa received in 2016 for what was supposed to be his last home race had left a mark on the Brazilian. This year, as a bonus, the Williams driver surely didn’t expect it, and he should therefore approach this new opportunity to say goodbye to his fans with a heavy heart.
Nostalgia when you hold us
Beyond the symbolic nature that the Brazilian Grand Prix holds for Felipe Massa, something always happens on the Interlagos circuit.
In 2003 already, at the cost of a race filled with carbon debris, Kimi Räikkönen climbed to the top step of the podium following a red flag, before ultimately handing over the victory trophy to Giancarlo Fisichella in San Marino the following weekend.
From 2005 to 2008, Interlagos was the venue for the conclusion of the drivers’ championship. First in favor of Fernando Alonso in 2005 and 2006, but the following two seasons are especially memorable. In 2007, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, and Kimi Räikkönen were neck and neck before the final Brazilian round, with the advantage going to the Briton. However, by winning, Iceman clinched the title, and Hamilton and Alonso finished 2nd and 3rd, just 1 point behind the now world champion Finn.
No need to once again unravel the thread of the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix’s story; merely mentioning it brings back all the sadness the world felt seeing Felipe Massa deprived of the world crown despite his victory on home soil. The misfortune of some brings happiness to others, as Lewis Hamilton clinched the first of his now four world titles and entered history.
Quick tour to remember the track layout
The last stand to be the runner-up
In Mexico, Sebastian Vettel saw the title slip away for good, but he still has the consolation prize of the runner-up spot. With a 15-point lead over Valtteri Bottas, nothing is decided yet with two races remaining on the calendar, but the German has the advantage this time.
Unfortunate second in the constructors’ championship, Ferrari will focus on salvaging the drivers’ championship as well. The prancing horse team is expected to adopt an aggressive strategy for the last two races where the Silver Arrows could let things slide. Mercedes has already announced that the Brazilian and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be opportunities for full-scale testing for the next season, at the risk of being less conclusive.
Success or failure of these tests, perhaps this battle will not take place, even if it would be another snub to the Italian manufacturer if Mercedes achieved the double drivers’ championship.
Force India having secured its now almost usual 4th place in the constructors’ championship and Williams fighting almost alone for 5th, one should not think that everything is over. Far from it. For 6th place, it’s a free-for-all between Toro Rosso, Renault, and Haas, who are separated by just six points.
After his huge mistake in Mexico that cost the race for three-quarters of the cars he powered, the French constructor and engine manufacturer will have to work hard if he wants to reclaim that 6th position and gain the upper hand over the two teams that dominated him last year – as a reminder in 2016: Renault (9) Haas (8) Toro Rosso (7).
A year ago, Felipe Massa finished his last home Grand Prix in the rails of Interlagos. A very sad end that nevertheless earned him a guard of honor from a handful of teams as he walked back up the pit lane with the flag of his country in his hands.
The Brazilian can redeem himself this weekend by offering his audience a better show. Certainly, a podium seems utopian given the Williams’ performance this season, but a 6th place behind the top teams would be the best reward for a final race.
To (really) know everything…
Like Silverstone, Hungaroring or Sepang, the Autodromo José Carlos Pace and its configuration prompt Pirelli to choose a range one notch harder than previous Grand Prix. We can see that the drivers will shun the medium tire to focus on the super-soft, especially, and the soft.
Find the individual choices of the drivers:
The selected #Fit4F1 sets for the 19th race of the season! #BrazilGP https://t.co/ujOmvfM0fp
— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) 31 octobre 2017
Like its predecessor on the calendar, the Interlagos track features two DRS activation zones. The first is placed on the straight section between turns 3 and 4 with a detection point positioned in the Senna S, which sets up this fast part. The second is almost traditionally located on the start-finish line, with a detection point located in the climb that precedes it, at the exit of turn 13.
**Horizon and Contemplation**
It won’t be a repeat of the previous edition, but rain is indeed expected to make an appearance this weekend. Friday is currently the most threatened day, with strong chances of rain before the morning session and high possibilities of showers at the start and end of the afternoon session. Temperatures will be between 22 and 26°C on this first day, with higher perceived temperatures due to humidity levels nearing 80%.
Saturday will not be an exception, with lower but still real risks of rain. The final practice session and the qualifying could be affected and despite temperatures timidly exceeding 20°C, the factor to consider will be humidity, with levels ranging between 80 and 90% throughout the day.
In the end, the only dry day might be race day, with temperatures close to 25°C and humidity around 50%, allowing the drivers to express themselves freely.
Don’t forget the TV schedule!
DEMANDEZ LE PROGRAMME ! 🇧🇷
VEN: C+Sport
12h50: FP1
16h50: FP2SAM: C+Sport
13h50: FP3
16h45: QualificationsDIM: @canalplus
15h15: Documentaire ”ROOKIES”
16h10: La Grille
17h00: Grand Prix du Brésil19h00: Formula One – C+Sport#BrazilianGP #F1 #RDVau1erVirage pic.twitter.com/1VYZAmdHLh
— Julien FEBREAU (@Julien_FEBREAU) 9 novembre 2017
