The 2017 F1 season has just two rounds left, and although both the championships are complete, it's hard not to still have some excitement for the Brazilian Grand Prix. The atmosphere radiates from the ever-popular Interlagos track, and it's an event that often has great racing, interesting results and a general feel-good aura. That being said, there are still two more races of a season that has dragged on long enough, so it really better had be a good one.

Event schedule

Lewis Hamilton wrapped up his fourth world championship in Mexico, to go hand in hand with the Mercedes' title secured this season as well. With those two trophies decided, there are a few battles up and down the field, but for the most part the final two races are there for fun and glory alone.

Felipe Massa has confirmed that he'll be retiring (for the second time), so will no doubt enjoy another fond and emotional farewell at his home race this weekend. Toro Rosso are still deciding on their driver lineups, running Gasly and Hartly (fresh from winning the endurance championship) again. Meanwhile, Force India are giving British youngster George Russell a chance during Friday practice.

Support racing for this event includes Porsche Cup and Porsche Challenge.

Expected conditions

The long range weather forecast throws up some interesting potential scenarios for the weekend. Free Practice Friday might be tricky, as conditions are set to be under some serious thunderclouds, with storms predicted to continue into Saturday - qualifying day. It's expected the weather will clear up for race day, but there are still set to be clouds around which can always pose something of a rainy threat.

Circuit history

No significant changes have been made to the Interlagos track, as it's a pretty good one as it is. The only tweaks for 2017 include more drainage, kerbing and tyre barriers to increase safety precautions. The set up of cars will be crucial, but can be difficult to judge as there are requirements for high downforce in the twisting middle sector, but also plenty of high speed corners and that infamous final run up the hill.

This weekend will be the 45th Brazilian Grand Prix, which has been held at the current circuit location since 1990. McLaren and Ferrari have secured eight wins each at this track, but the circuit can often throw up a surprise and has been the site of a handful of maiden victories and podium visitors.

The track is at a high altitude, like the last race in Mexico City although to a lesser degree, so the working components of the car may struggle again. On the flip side, with just two races left and both world championships secured, there's less at stake in terms of throwing everything you've got at the car and seeing what happens.

Tyre compounds

The Interlagos track is famously rough and bumpy on tyres, but it has had some resurfacing work that helped to smooth things out. Also, as an anti-clockwise circuit, it puts loads on the right side more than the left. It's a short lap, and there are usually more pit stops than at other race tracks to help mix up strategies.

Pirelli chief Mario Isola says: "With a short lap, plus plenty of pit stops and overtaking, as well as a passionate Brazilian crowd and the potential for extremes of weather, this is normally a frenetic race where the strategic timing of stops is very important to try and minimise the effects of traffic."

Selected tyre sets per driver

Lewis Hamilton	1	4	8
Valtteri Bottas	1	4	8
Daniel Ricciardo	1	4	8
Max Verstappen	1	3	9
Sebastian Vettel	1	3	9
Kimi Räikkönen	1	3	9
Sergio Pérez	1	4	8
Esteban Ocon	1	4	8
Felipe Massa	1	2	10
Lance Stroll	1	2	10
Fernando Alonso	1	3	9
Stoffel Vandoorne	1	3	9
Pierre Gasly	1	4	8
Brendon Hartley	1	4	8
Romain Grosjean	1	4	8
Kevin Magnussen	1	4	8
Nico Hülkenberg	1	2	10
Carlos Sainz	1	2	10
Pascal Wehrlein	1	3	9
Marcus Ericsson	1	3	9

Press conference schedule

Official press conferences are organised by the FIA and happen four times during the weekend. The qualifying and post race press conferences will take place after the television unilateral interviews.

Race stewards

The FIA stewarding process includes a former F1 driver to offer added insight. These stewards are overseeing the weekend's action.