Brazilian Grand Prix
by ArabianBusiness.com staff writer on Wednesday, 26 March 2008
Home to so many heroes of Formula One racing there is something very special about the Brazilian Grand Prix - and it's not just that it's the final race on the annual calendar.
Ayrton Senna, Nelson Piquet, Emerson Fittipaldi, and now Rubens Barrichello and Felipe Massa all hail from Brazil.
The heritage of drivers that have become mega stars in F1 is mighty impressive. As a host country, the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos in São Paulo has created a legacy for races that defy belief.
From Senna's emotional victory on his home soil against all odds in 1991 to Giancarlo Fisichella's mind-blowing, car burning victory in 2003.
As a Formula One fan it is a certainty that you will see history made each year.
The Autodrome Jose Carlos Pace, Interlagos is the venue of the Brazilian Grand Prix. The first Grand Prix to be held on the circuit was in 1972 but it was not part of the F1 calendar until the following year.
In 1978 the race venue was moved to Jacarepagua in Rio de Janeiro where, aside from returning to Interlagos for two consecutive years in 1979 and 1980, it stayed in Rio until 1990 when it was moved back to Interlagos where it has been ever since.
The Interlagos circuit has created some of the most exciting and memorable races in Formula One history, and is regarded by some as one of the most challenging and exciting circuits on the F1 calendar.
Along with Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, it is not considered to have lost much of its mystique or challenge despite having to accommodate the modern, much more safety-conscious era of 21st century Formula One.
Off track
Not just one of the biggest cities in Brazil, São Paulo is one of the biggest cities on the globe.
This giant urban jungle can be intimidating if you're a stranger but, pointed in the right direction it has much to offer the visitor.
Get passed the fact that this is a city crammed with skyscrapers and constant traffic it has many hidden gems to explore.
There is a plethora of museums, galleries, restaurants and unique shops to discover and the heady mix of cultures are guaranteed to charm and delight.
If you're looking to carry on the high adrenalin levels then São Paulo has nightlife that could rival that of London and New York.
Just a short stroll along any main street and you will discover live music bars, classy cocktail bars and relaxing lounges.
Chinese Grand Prix
The Chinese Grand Prix circuit is like no other, shaped like a letter or character from the Shang (ancient Chinese alphabet), it combines sweeping curves and long straights leading onto hairpin corners, succeeded in making overtaking opportunities possible.
Japanese Grand Prix
Because of the exciting and challenging layout of Fuji Speedway Circuit the Japanese Grand Prix is one of the most-loved F1 events of the season.
Singapore Grand Prix
There is much anticipation about the Singapore Grand Prix. Not only is it the newest addition to the Formula One calendar, but it is Formula One's first ever night race.
Italian Grand Prix
For passionate Formula One fans the world over, the Italian Grand Prix is one not to be missed. Few stops along the Formula One route can rival that of Italy's celebrated Grand Prix.
Belgian Grand Prix
The Belgian Grand Prix is favourite track amongst many drivers.
European Grand Prix
Set along the stunning Mediterranean coast in Spain's third largest city, Valencia, the European Grand Prix is expected to be nothing short of phenomenal.
Hungarian Grand Prix
The Hungaroring circuit is 19km from the centre of Budapest, alongside the M3 motorway at the border of the village, Mogyoród.
German Grand Prix
Traditionally the German Grand Prix was all about raw horsepower. It was a flat-out blast around a 4.2 mile tree-lined track before it raged into the stadium section that houses the thousands of fans.
British Grand Prix
The very first Formula One Grand Prix took place at Silverstone in 1948 on a track marked out with straw bales and large oil drums.
French Grand Prix
There is something very special about the French Grand Prix in Magny Cours.
Canadian Grand Prix
With the combination of the fantastic Gilles Villeneuve track and its exceptional nightlife, Montreal has become an annual trip for many motor lovers from all over the world.
Monaco Grand Prix
In the world of major sporting events, nothing can compare to the sheer elegance, glamour and excitement that is arguably Formula One's most prestigious race - the Grand Prix of Monaco.
Turkish Grand Prix
The Istanbul Racing Circuit is located on the Asian side of Istanbul and is just a stone's throw away from the newly constructed Sabiha Gokcen Istanbul Airport.
Spanish Grand Prix
Set in the vibrant Barcelona the Spanish Grand Prix is one of the most exciting races in the F1 circuit.
Bahrain Grand Prix
The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is arguably the biggest sporting occasion in the Middle East.
Malaysian Grand Prix
The Malaysian Grand Prix may not have been part of the Formula One circuit for long, but Kuala Lumpur boasts a track worthy of hosting both the F1 grand Prix and FIM Motorcycle Grand Prix and one which really raises the standards for all other circuits.
Australian Grand Prix
The Formula One Australian Grand Prix is frequently presented with the award for best organised event by the FIA, which means that both on and off the track - this is an event not to be missed.
Formula fun
Eighteen cities, nine months, 26 teams, 11 drivers, but just one winner - this is life in the fast lane.
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