Interlagos adds grooves to track surface to help drainage

©WRI2

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Brazilian Grand Prix organisers have undertaken a few changes to the Interlagos circuit in order to improve safety in the event of a wet-weather race.

Following recommendations from the FIA, grooves have been inserted into the track's surface in several areas to help drainage, the venue having often seen rain affect proceedings in the past.

Six corners have received changes destined to alleviate issues should wet conditions prevail this weekend.

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"The apex areas of turns 2 and 12 have been resurfaced," wrote FIA race director Charlie Whiting in a note to the teams.

"Additional grooving of the track has been carried out in places where water was accumulating the most during the race last year, notably in turns 2, 3, 12, 13, 14 and 15.

"In order to ensure that the grip of the track is more consistent it has been cleaned twice with very high pressure water."

Organizers have also added 'sausage kerbs' behind the apex of existing kerbs at turns 2,4,8 and 10.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.