The climax of the 2017 Formula One season is fast approaching, with just two races left to decide who will secure victory in the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. The F1 roadshow heads to São Paulo’s Autódromo José Carlos Pace Circuit (previously known as Interlagos) next month for the penultimate race of the year, the Brazilian Grand Prix. Read on to learn more.
History of the Race
The Brazilian Grand Prix has been part of the Formula One calendar since 1973. Local drivers enjoyed a great degree of success in the early seasons, with São Paulo natives Emerson Fittipaldi and Carlos Pace securing victory in the first 3 races (the circuit was later renamed as Autódromo José Carlos Pace in honor of the Brazilian star, who died in an aircraft accident in 1977). Throughout the 80s, the GP shifted to Autódromo Internacional Nelson Piquet in Rio de Janeiro, before returning to Interlagos in 1990, where it has remained ever since.
This vintage photograph shows the drivers in action at the first Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos in 1973.
This year’s race will be the 45th F1-associated Brazilian Grand Prix, and the Autódromo José Carlos Pace Circuit remains a perennial favorite with drivers and fans alike. One of the few tracks in the sport where the race takes place in an anti-clockwise direction, Interlagos is also located on hilly terrain. The undulating curves make it a very demanding venue, and one which tests the cars to their limits. Add the high-altitude factor and frequently adverse weather conditions into the mix, and the stage is set for a thrilling spectacle for racing fans.
A Carnival of Motorsports
F1 has a fanatical following in Brazil, attracting a passionate and knowledgeable crowd who bring a carnival-like atmosphere throughout race weekend. Last year’s event saw the United Kingdom’s Lewis Hamilton emerge victorious, following a chaotic race which featured several red flags and regular appearances from the safety car due to non-stop rain.
The Brazilian Grand Prix attracts a fanatical following, producing a true carnival of motorsports (Image Credit: scuderiatororosso.com).
Its position as the penultimate race of the season has led to the F1 drivers’ championship winner being crowned at Interlagos for the past two years. This year, Hamilton once again has the title in his sights. Will the Brazilian Grand Prix mark the finish line in the championship race for a third consecutive year? Find out next month!
The Brazilian Grand Prix takes place on Sunday, November 12 at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace Circuit in São Paulo. Visit the official Formula One website for all the latest updates on the big race.
Flying to São Paulo
If you are planning a flight to São Paulo, there are two main airport options which can accept international arrivals. These are Guarulhos International Airport (IATA: GRU, ICAO: SBGR) which is approximately 45km northeast from Interlagos Circuit, and Viracopos/Campinas International Airport (IATA: VCP, ICAO: SBKP), located around 110km northwest of the race venue. Congonhas Airport (IATA: CGH, ICAO: SBSP) is a mere 10km away from the track, however this facility does not function as an Airport of Entry (AoE).
The primary international airport for São Paulo is Guarulhos. SBGR is a 24-hour AoE, and offers a full range of ground handling services. Aircraft parking is generally limited to 48 hours, with requests for extensions being difficult to obtain due to congestion from commercial traffic. Prior Permission Required (PPR) is mandatory for parking at SBGR, with a recommended lead time of seven days.
Campinas is also a 24-hour AoE. Aircraft parking at SBKP is granted in three-hour increments. Any overnight parking requests must be submitted in advance, and will be allocated based on availability. PPR is necessary for all operations at Campinas, and is subject to a lead time of three working days.
Landing permits are mandatory for all flights to Brazil, and have a minimum recommended lead time of 48 hours. Visa requirements for passengers are dependent on the nationalities of those on board, and cannot be obtained upon arrival. Note that crew do not need visas for Brazil if they are staying for less than 10 days, provided they have proper credentials. GenDec is mandatory for all international arrivals.
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