Interlagos

Better known as Interlagos, the circuit, set in the suburbs of Sao Paulo, is underdeveloped compared to most modern-day venues. The pit-buildings are old and small, the paddock is cramped, and the track surface is very bumpy. Yet for all of that, drivers and fans still absolutely love it.

Playing host to the very first Brazilian Grand Prix in 1973, the track remained on the calendar for seven years before it re-appeared again in 1990, albeit this time in truncated form.

Major resurfacing work in 2009 smoothed the asphalt slightly, but in comparison to plush new venues like Abu Dhabi, the surface is a rumble strip. But that only adds to the charm of a circuit which makes up for its lack of refinement with bags of character and passion.

In the build up to the 2011 Brazilian Grand Prix, FIA Race Director Charlie Whiting said: "What a great circuit and great atmosphere - the fans here are wild and it's always a sell-out, so the atmosphere is always pretty special. It's a pleasure to work here, partly because the circuit is so good and we nearly always get an entertaining race." Well said that man.

As Whiting says, Interlagos has provided its fair share of entertaining fare - no more so than in the melodramatic closing seconds of the 2008 season when Lewis Hamilton stole the title from local hero, and race winner, Felipe Massa's grasp going into the final corner.

The long climb up the hill from Juncao, through a left kink and over the start-finish line leads into a good - if slightly risky - overtaking spot at turn one. If a driver is brave enough to stay on the outside he can try and fight back immediately as the cars twist through the Senna-S, so named after Brazilian's legendary three-time champion Ayrton, a winner at Interlagos in 1991 and 1993.

Turn four is another overtaking spot while turn eight and Juncao (turn 12) have also seen passing action in the past.

Changes were made ahead of last year's race, with grandstands through the fast turns 14 and 15 moved back to improve safety. But such is the passionate locals' enthusiasm for racing that they will continue to flock to Interlagos every year regardless.

• Circuit length:4.309 km
• Lap Record:JP Montoya (2004)
• Laps:71
• Most wins (Drivers):Senna da Silva (3)
• Most wins (Constructors):Williams (3)