3 things you need to know about the Brazilian Grand Prix

Formula One returns to Sao Paulo for the 45th Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Here are three things you need to know.

The Track

(Courtesy: Formula One)

What immediately sets Interlagos apart is its anti-clockwise setup. The track is one of the few in the F1 calendar that runs the opposite direction, forcing drivers to adjust their bearings.

With 15 turns and several changes in elevation, the circuit becomes even more difficult to navigate. Though it's not at as high of an altitude as Mexico's Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Interlagos is still located in an unpredictable climate that could produce thunderstorm activity.

The circuit begins with its toughest challenge, Senna S, a combination of Turns 1 and 2 that forces drivers to contend with drastic elevation changes. Drivers travel at high speeds on the long straight as they wind into the famous section, necessitating great control over the car.

Rosberg's title with a win

Nico Rosberg has his destiny in his hands: win the race Sunday, and he will claim his first F1 Drivers' Championship.

The task is easier said than done. Rain's expected to complicate the year's penultimate contest, a possibility that could give teammate Lewis Hamilton an advantage. Hamilton's traditionally fared better than Rosberg in precipitous conditions, although he's had trouble on this particular circuit.

Nothing less than a victory for Hamilton will prolong his fading title hopes, and he's never claimed first at Interlagos before.

It means Rosberg's in a great position to take home the silverware - either this weekend or in the season finale in Dubai. He's also taken the past two Brazilian Grands Prix.

Massa's final home race

Veteran driver Felipe Massa is preparing for an emotional outing Sunday, his final race in front of his fellow Brazilians.

Massa grew up nearly 20 kilometres away from Interlagos, reaching the podium there on five different occasions.

His last win came at the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix - one of two victories on the circuit - but the end of a 15-year career is now heading towards its conclusion.

Massa is set to retire at 35 years old, and it's this race he will miss the most.

"I think it will be a very special weekend for me, for my last home race," Massa said. "I remember I was in the grandstand watching and supporting Ayrton Senna, Nelson Piquet, always dreaming to be here, and then I managed to get here and win two races here in Interlagos, getting a lot of times in the podiums, so it's definitely a fantastic place for me."