Located 16 km south of São Paulo, the Interlagos track has the particularity of fitting maximum development into minimal space. It is a fast track with long straight lines and large constant-radius curves, offering significant elevation changes. The Mergulho ramp that leads down to the pit straight is as steep as the Eau Rouge ravine at Spa.
As the condition of the track deteriorated over the years, Interlagos was abandoned in favour of Jacarepagua.
F1 made its return there in 1990. The length of the track was halved, and the downhill "S do Senna" (named after the driver's death) cleverly bypassed the old Retao to lead back to the Curva do Sol and take the old route in reverse to the Curva do Laranja. In this way, the circuit retains its natural character and the races are often lively.