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The penultimate round of the arduous 2016 Formula One world championship is at last here and all remain on tenterhooks to see the outcome of the title race itself. Join The Roar for a live blog of the Brazilian Grand Prix from 3am (AEDT).
Nico Rosberg comes to the Brazilian Grand Prix with a 19 point lead over his teammate and rival Lewis Hamilton. The equation dictates that if the German were to merely win the event, he will be crowned world champion.
The defending world champion’s last hurrah will be to convert his pole position into a victory.
Interlagos, a 4.3km fast and undulating circuit, has never seen Hamilton grace its top step – despite it being the scene of his maiden championship win in 2008.
That statistic plays into the favour of Rosberg, who has romped the race for the past two years and showing that pole position isn’t going to guarantee victory.
Tyre strategy remains open at this stage, with the hard, medium and soft compounds being available. But the spanner of weather is most likely to be thrown into the mix.
Rain has often provided mixed races in Brazil and indeed can catch out those are aren’t careful.
Thus if the weather proves to be changeable, drivers like Kimi Räikkönen (celebrating his 250th grand prix) from third, all the way to Daniel Ricciardo in sixth, could be in with a sniff.
It must be taken into consideration too, how the Ferraris and Red Bulls can impact the title race itself.
Tensions between those camps from the previous race in Mexico, could well spill over into Silver Arrows territory and either help or hinder either of the two contender’s championships.
Wet weather would likely mix up the mid-field too, which could be of benefit to Sauber who’ve been knocking on the door of some points recently. Their battle for tenth in the constructor’s championship with Manor being of great significance – with a $35 million sum attached to who prevails.
And what of Felipe Massa? This will be his final bout in the sport in front of his adoring home fans. Williams may have missed the mark in qualifying, ending up eliminated in Q2 – but should be on the charge during the race.
All remains in the hands of the weather gods then. Could we see a new world champion crowned at the conclusion of the 71 laps? Or face another twist, before the showdown in the desert.
Join me then on The Roar from 3am (AEDT) for what should be a promising Brazilian Grand Prix.
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