Round 6: Showdown in Brazil

With its mix of fast and slow corners and a long start-finish straight, Interlagos is a circuit packed with passing opportunities, making it a hotspot for scintillating racing. The characteristics of Interlagos mean no car will have a clear advantage, as while the straights will suit the Mercedes and Fords, the corners will favour the Porsches and Ferraris. With Interlagos being such an overtake-friendly circuit, the drivers will have to pick which corners are best to attack out of throughout the course of the race, without destroying the tyres.

Having led the championship since Daytona, Pedersen was expected to come into the season’s curtain-caller with a sizeable buffer over his competitors after another podium in Italy. Although the Mustangs weren’t as dominant at Monza, Pedersen remained entrenched in the top four but couldn’t challenge for the win after a late slowdown penalty cost him momentum to de Vos. But third at the chequered flag was enough for Pedersen to increase his championship lead to 20 points, which, crucially, left him with a strong hand going into Brazil.

However, Pedersen is doubtful to race in Brazil in part due to a scheduling clash. If Pedersen were unable to start, the Dane would have to watch on as both Erdelyi and de Vos, now with a golden opportunity, could snatch the title. The potential absence of the championship leader will blow the title fight wide open and add another layer to what promises to be an intriguing race.

While he hasn’t finished on the podium or won a race, Erdelyi comes into Brazil in great form and, with Pedersen a likely non-starter, the Hungarian could take the title at the gun. Monza wasn’t the smoothest weekend for Erdelyi, as he couldn’t live with the pace set by the top three and drove a lonely race to fourth. Despite putting more points on the board, Hovesen’s third-place finish saw the gap between the pair increase from 14 points to 20. However, Erdelyi’s excellent consistency throughout the season has given him a realistic shot at the title, and, provided he can finally break his run of fourths, a chance at glory is in reach.

With one race to go, the time for caution is over, as the race for the crown reaches its final chapter. But what do the contenders need to get over the line? Despite his absence, Pedersen holds a 20-point lead over his rivals, meaning he could still walk away with the title despite missing a round. But for that to happen, he will need Erdelyi to have a bad day at the office and fail to trouble the top 10. For Erdelyi, he must finish at least fourth to secure the title, although sixth and the fastest lap would also be enough to pip Pedersen to the post. As for de Vos, his task is far tougher. Not only does the Belgian have to win, but he needs Erdelyi to miss out on the top six to become the inaugural CRS champion.