06/11/2016
NEWS STORY
As the Formula One calendar enters into its 20th race, Renault's number 20 gives his thoughts on the prestigious Interlagos circuit.
What do you make of the historic Brazilian Grand Prix?
Kevin Magnussen: Brazil is a legendary weekend. It's got so much about it, many of my idols have raced at Interlagos in the past. In my childhood it was always the last race so it had that championship presiding feeling about it. I think it's unfortunate that it's not the last race anymore as it feels like it should be but it's still a fantastic weekend nonetheless.
How do you find the anticlockwise Interlagos circuit itself?
KM: I know a lot about the circuit and it's one of those famous places that's so ingrained in Formula 1 history. It's a short lap, it has a go-kart feeling to it as you are having to turn all the time and it flows quite nicely. Interlagos, like Austin, is one of only a few circuits that run anti-clockwise, so it's cool that these two races are close together on the calendar.
What sort of mind set do you approach it with?
KM: From the first corner onwards, it's a really exciting circuit and there are quite a few overtaking opportunities, especially in the first sector. It's a real driver's track and pretty bumpy all the way round, so set up will be crucial to getting the most out of a lap. The South American fans love their Formula 1 too, so I'm excited about getting out there. But, as a driver, Brazil is another race and we'll give everything we have to come away with a decent result for the team.
It must be quite special to walk down the Senna esses!
KM: The first time you go there it's a really cool experience as you've seen it on television so many times and watched the films of the likes of Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. It has a lot of history and that makes it a very special weekend. It's one of those unique places which makes it a good experience to race.
The Brazilians are known for their carnival atmosphere; do you notice that from the cockpit?
KM: They are very patriotic and always cheering for the drivers, especially for Massa or the other Brazilians. It's like that everywhere you go, though. Mexico was good for that too, both countries are very cheerful so that makes it very fun to go to and enjoy.
Jolyon Palmer is aiming for a positive end to the season and hopes a fast, sweeping Interlagos track can propel him into the points.
You had a solid race in Mexico, does that put you in good stead for Brazil?
Jolyon Palmer: I'm feeling good for Brazil as it should just carry on the good momentum that we've had in the second half the year. It was a shame not to qualify last time out as we could have shown even better improvement. One of my best grid spots was in prospect, but we made up for it in the race. The race pace has been good for a long time now, qualifying pace has been good too. We had some decent battles with the McLarens in Mexico, so I think we can be pretty confident going into Brazil.
So Interlagos shouldn't present any difficulties?
JP: The car is getting better every round still, and I'm driving pretty well and getting more and more out of it, so I think that combined with the fact Brazil is a nice track, means I'm hopeful for a positive weekend.
What do you think of the track?
JP: I did FP1 there last season. I was quite new to the car but I actually really enjoyed it. It's an interesting layout and I was pretty competitive. It's a legendary circuit which has a fantastic atmosphere. It's anticlockwise so you have a lot of fast left-handers which we're not so used to! I quite like turn one and two, the Senna esses, it's a good combination of corners. It's good for overtaking but also easy to lock-up at the end of that straight heading into the downhill left-hander. The inside wheel is particularly unweighted as you're braking and starting your turn-in, because of the camber of the corner. If you get it right here, you can have a decent advantage against a rival. There have been many interesting races here in the past, I remember Hamilton winning the title at the last corner and the 2012 race as well, where Vettel won too.
There are two races left, what do you hope to achieve from them?
JP: The season has gone so quickly. We just have to give it our all. I'd love to get another points finish before the year is out, so I will be pushing for that all the way for the final two races.
Is there anything in Sao Paolo that you'd like to see or do?
JP: I didn't see so much of the city last year, but I like Brazil, the main thing is the passion of the crowd they always seem to bring a good, party vibe. It's also renowned for its food and drink. I'll probably grab some steak, especially after the race!