In 1938 a huge plot of land was bought in Sao Paulo by two local property developers who intended to build a large housing development. It soon became clear, however, that one part of the land was not suitable for housing and so they decided to build a racing circuit instead. Sao Paulo grew at an incredible speed though and soon the circuit was surrounded by houses.

When, in the 1970s, Emerson Fittipaldi began to have international success, the Brazilians started to want a Grand Prix. In 1971 and 1972 Interlagos hosted non-championship events but in 1973 the track hosted its first championship Grand Prix. The track became a lucky charm for local racers, Fittipaldi, Carlos Pace and Carlos Reutemann all taking the spoils of victory in the 1970s. Interlagos was the scene of Pace's first and only Formula One victory, and following his death in a plane crash the circuit was renamed in his honour.

In 1978 the grand prix moved to Rio, but in 1979 Interlagos got its race back. By 1981 however Rio had retaken the Grand Prix, Sao Paulo's slums being at odds with the glamorous image Formula One wanted to portray. When a $15m redevelopment programme was agreed in the heyday of Ayrton Senna, a Sao Paulo local, the race finally moved back to Interlagos.

And there it has stayed. Since Senna's death there may have been no Brazilian world champion, but the passion of the Brazilian fans keeps the sport coming back every year.
The circuit is situated in the Interlagos suburb of Sao Paolo, approximately 15km south of the city centre. The city possesses a wide public transport network, including a subway system, numerous bus companies and plenty of taxis.

Sao Paolo's major international airport is Guarulhos which lies 25km north-east of the city. There is a half-hourly shuttle bus service from the airport into the city.

To get to the circuit by car from Sao Paulo, take the Marginal Pinheiros south-bound towards Interlagos and then follow signs for the track.