Red Bull’s Daniil Kvyat thinks the new Interlagos facilities will not change the colourful atmosphere that always surrounds the Brazilian Grand Prix venue.
The venerable Autódromo José Carlos Pace has recently undergone a major overhaul, though the renovations will be fully completed in 2016 with a new pit lane complex. F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone visited the Sao Paulo circuit right after the Mexican Grand Prix and declared himself satisfied with the end result.
“[Interlagos] is one of F1’s classic tracks and the atmosphere is always great,” said Kvyat. “I think they have done some rebuilding there and I’m looking forward to seeing how the paddock has changed.
“It was the smallest of the year and kind of difficult for teams to work in and it will be good to see what has been done. But whatever they have done I don’t think it will change the atmosphere.
“It’s always amazing, with the fans so close to the track. They really have a big passion for Formula One and the feeling is always good on the grid there – even though it’s a bit crazy!”
While Daniel Ricciardo candidly admits that the Brazilian layout does not give him “any real satisfaction” from a driving standpoint, his Russian team-mate begs to differ.
“It’s a good circuit and one of the classics,” added Kvyat. “It’s got good changes of elevation, it’s quite a quick, short lap and there are some good overtaking spots. It’s nice to drive; it has a good flow to it with some good high-speed corners, which is what drivers always enjoy.”
“It has some great memories for me, because I did my second free practice in F1 there in 2013 with Toro Rosso [pictured above]. It was wet but I really enjoyed it and I finished I think eighth or ninth [he was P8].
“Last year’s race [with Toro Rosso] wasn’t great. I had a grid penalty and started 17th but I managed to finish 11th.”
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