Interlagos’ corner names tell stories about the circuit’s changing layout, its surroundings and the experiences of drivers. Ahead of the São Paulo Grand Prix, here is how the names of the Autódromo José Carlos Pace’s turns came about.
The Senna S, the circuit’s best-known opening section, was introduced when Interlagos returned to the Formula 1 calendar in 1990. The original 7.96-kilometre layout was shortened by almost half, and the new sequence replaced part of the former track. Ayrton Senna suggested linking the old first corner directly to Curva do Sol, while the S-shaped section also recalls the first letter of his surname. Senna, however, had wanted the corner named for Brazilian racing pioneer Chico Landi and criticised the design, saying he had imagined a faster sequence.
Curva do Sol is the only corner described as having remained from the original layout. Interlagos was designed for clockwise running, although it is now driven anti-clockwise. In the original direction, sunlight could hinder drivers’ visibility through the turn, giving it its name.
After Curva do Sol and the back straight, drivers reach Descida do Lago, a key overtaking area comprising turns four and five. It is named for its proximity to the lake at the circuit. When the track ran in the opposite direction, the section was called Subida do Lago.
Ferradura takes its name from its horseshoe-like shape. Laranjinha has a less literal origin: before the circuit was remodelled, the corner was called Laranja. Its apex was difficult to see, and inexperienced drivers sometimes made mistakes or lifted off the throttle. Novices were nicknamed “oranges,” giving the turn its name. After the layout changes shortened it, the corner became Laranjinha.
Esse, which connects Laranjinha to Pinheirinho, is named for its S-shaped form. Pinheirinho, meanwhile, recalls two pine trees that once stood in the runoff area. They were removed for safety reasons at Emerson Fittipaldi’s request, but the name remained.
Bico de Pato, or “duck’s bill,” is named for its shape. Drivers accelerate briefly out of Pinheirinho before braking for the slow corner, which leads into Mergulho. Despite the name and its position after Bico de Pato, Mergulho has no connection to water: the drop in elevation makes drivers feel as if the car is diving toward the next turn.
Junção means “junction” and refers to the point where the circuit’s former oval section connected with its mixed-layout portion. The old turns that formed the oval are no longer there, but the name has survived.
Subida dos Boxes closes the lap and leads to the main straight, with its name referring to the route toward the pit entrance. In 2010, São Paulo’s city government also named the straight Reta de Chegada Emerson Fittipaldi.
Sources: Globo Esporte.