Interlagos sets the stage for a dramatic finish to the Formula 1 calendar, where Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso and Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel look to become the youngest-ever three-time World Champion – at the home track of current record holder and legendary driver, Ayrton Senna.
With 13 points separating Vettel and Alonso, the Ferrari driver needs to put in one of the strongest races of his career in hopes of catching the two-time defending champ. Vettel has driven very well of late, with four wins and two podium finishes in his last six races. Alonso meanwhile has two-second place finishes, three thirds, and a retirement in that same span.
While the Ferrari has struggled for top pace throughout the season, it has been technically consistent compared to the Red Bull of Vettel and his teammate Mark Webber, who have suffered alternator failures three times this season. The most recent event saw Webber drop out of the American Grand Prix last week.
To ensure it does not spoil Vettel’s championship aspirations, Red Bull have worked with their Renault supplier on a new, more dependable alternator.
Going into qualifying, Sao Paolo circuit provided the unpredictable weather and track conditions it is known for.
The wet track saw a number of cars struggle to gain traction, and provided some surprising results going into Sunday’s race.
Lotus driver Romain Grosjean was involved in an incident trying to cut inside of HRT’s Pedro de la Rosa on the final turn, which saw him lose his wing. After repairs, the Frenchman was forced to put in qualifying lap before the end of the first session, but the usually strong qualifier only managed to finish 18th.
Seven-time champion Michael Schumacher also struggled on the wet track, and only qualified 13th in his last race before retirement. He was out-qualified by his teammate Nico Rosberg, who will start eighth.
Coming off his win in Austin, Texas, McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton qualified first in his final race for the Woking-based team. It is the seventh time the Brit has taken pole – the most of any driver this season. Teammate Jenson Button will start in second place, marking a record 62 times that the team has started a Grand Prix from first and second positions.
Mark Webber will start in front of Vettel in third position, but will most likely make way for his German teammate to ensure he holds his championship lead. He is also in an advantageous position to block the Ferraris of Felipe Massa and Alonso, who qualified fifth and seventh, respectively.
Massa will look for a strong start in his home Grand Prix, and depending on the placement of his Ferrari and the Red Bulls, the green flag could very well determine the outcome for Alonso.
Although Red Bull captured the constructors’ title last week in Austin, second place is still up for grabs, and a strong showing by the McLaren duo could see them take second place away from Ferrari, who lead 367 points to 353.
Reports for Sunday’s race suggest rainy conditions, and at a track that is known for dramatically different conditions throughout, officials have done their best to fix standing water areas by cutting grooves in the asphalt.
Vettel and Alonso have battled adversity throughout their championship fight, and weather may be the latest protagonist - and while Vettel’s car seems much stronger in dry conditions, Alonso’s Ferrari seems to come alive in the wet.
The race starts at 11 a.m. Sunday on TSN.
Photo: Ramesh Bayney
