The Brazilian Grand Prix preview

Exactly eight months after jetting into Australia for the opening round of 2011, the Formula 1 circus arrives in Brazil for the latest conclusion to a season since a Christmas trip to South Africa in 1963.

While the long season has not married well with Sebastian Vettel's unrelenting dominance - in reality the drivers' and constructors' titles were wrapped up long before the final round - there is a sense of tangible anticipation and excitement ahead of Interlagos, one of F1's classic venues.

It is not just the thousands of kilometres which separate the circuit and F1's last three venues: where Korea, India and Abu Dhabi have between them hosted six grands prix, Interlagos has been an almost permanent fixture since its first introduction in 1973. Elements of the original layout remain in use today, and such glimpses of past glories only add to its charm.

Then there is the fervour of the home crowd, a passionate throng who descend en masse throughout the weekend. The chances of a home victory may be relatively remote perhaps, but the potential for this to be Rubens Barrichello's F1 farewell will only add to the sense of occasion.

The track also remains popular with the drivers, thanks in part to the formidable middle section which emphasises technique and precision. Overtaking, which has proved difficult but not impossible in the past, should be aided by a single DRS zone on the long back straight which heads down to turn four, the left-hander of Descida do Lago.

In reality, however, the real action may be provided by the weather, so often a wild-card in Interlagos' history. Showers are forecast to visit throughout the forthcoming weekend, raising the prospect of an unpredictable race in mixed conditions. Add in Lewis Hamilton's revival in Abu Dhabi, a stellar drive from Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel's desire to not only bounce back from his first lap retirement but also to break Nigel Mansell's pole position record, and the ingredients are there for a potential classic.

Lower down the order the battles remain equally fierce. After Mercedes, a comfortable fourth, there are four manufacturers all with a chance of overhauling one another in the lucrative constructors' table. Renault currently head the pile but could yet be overhauled by Force India, while just one point separates Sauber and Toro Rosso in the battle for seventh.

To some extent Brazil also acts as a dress rehearsal for next year. Although only six per cent of this year's chassis may feed into next year's challenger, Pirelli for example will bring a new sample of next year's soft compound rubber, while Force India are set to finally announce their driver line-up - which has the potential to have a big knock-on effect in a driver market already hit by the news Robert Kubica will not return for 2012.

Strategy

Interlagos is a well known quantity for teams, having retained its layout since 1990. The weather, and more specifically the forecasted rain, has the potential to shake the order however and make for another classic race on the Interlagos circuit. Wet conditions could also ease overtaking concerns, although the single DRS zone on the back straight should also make a difference.

Pirelli have decided to allocate a sample soft compound for the weekend, with a view to adopting it for 2012. Teams' relative lack of knowledge on the new rubber could make for differing strategies and a lively race - and hopefully help provide a fitting finale to the 2011 season..

Weather