The middle sector at Interlagos is critical - Rampf

The Brazilian Grand Prix marks the end of a very successful season for the BMW Sauber F1 Team. Willy Rampf, Technical Director of the team from Munich and Hinwil, is hoping for a "positive end" and describes the "Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace" sector by sector.

"Interlagos is one of the few circuits - alongside Istanbul Park and Singapore - which we drive anticlockwise," says Rampf. "The middle sector is critical, with one corner following the next. The key elements are good traction and car balance."

In contrast, Rampf feels that the top speed will be important in the first and third sectors in Interlagos. One feature here is the start-finish straight, which is relatively long and uphill. Engine performance is the decisive factor here, in order to achieve low lap times. "This section also offers a good overtaking opportunity, as does the end of the straight in sector one," says the German.

In the past, the "Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace" has often been the subject of discussion: uneven asphalt is tiring and irritating for the drivers. In the meantime, this problem has been solved. This affects the choice of tyre, as Rampf confirms: "The track was resurfaced in 2007, which evened out a lot of bumps. In contrast to last year, when we opted for the softest tyre option, this time around we'll be using the medium compounds."