Interlagos has started an $80 million upgrade program that includes the building of a new Formula 1 pit complex for the 2015 Brazilian Grand Prix.
After this year’s F1 race, the current cramped pit complex will be demolished and then rebuilt to a higher specification. This will give the teams larger garages and should also increase the paddock space behind them.
The plan for the new pits has been in the works for several years, but the idea of moving the start/finish to the back straight on the run to Turn 4 has been ditched and they will instead be built in the same location.
“There was a previous idea of moving the pit complex to the other side of the circuit, but it was dropped after a more detailed study,” a circuit spokesperson said. “It was felt that some of the defining characteristics of the classical layout would be lost.”
The first phase of the project, which is being completed ahead of this year’s race, involves the resurfacing of the track and the modification of the pit entry. It is claimed that the new asphalt will increase grip without increasing tire wear thanks to a smoother surface.
The pit entry, which is located on the inside of the flat-out final kink, has been considered a problem for years and will be made safer by the change.
Interlagos has a contract to host the Brazilian GP through to 2020, with the local government financing the changes needed to keep the aging track up to date.
