René Arnoux claimed his first Formula One victory at Interlagos, marking only the second win for a turbocharged car in World Championship history.
Key Facts
- Race winner
- René Arnoux (Renault RE20)
- Victory margin
- 21 seconds over Elio de Angelis
- Race distance
- 40 laps of 7.87 km circuit 315 km total
- Circuit altitude
- 850 metres (2,840 feet)
- Championship round
- Second round of 1980 F1 season
- Last race at Interlagos
- Until circuit rebuilt for 1990 Grand Prix
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The race was transferred last-minute from Jacarepaguá in Rio de Janeiro after its tarmac began sinking into swampland. Interlagos, poorly maintained and notoriously bumpy, prompted safety concerns from drivers including world champion Jody Scheckter, who nearly succeeded in boycotting the event before a tie vote at the 11th hour allowed the race to proceed.
The 1980 Brazilian Grand Prix was run over 40 laps at Interlagos on 27 January 1980. Renault's turbocharged cars dominated at altitude, with pole-sitter Jean-Pierre Jabouille leading until his turbo failed on lap 25, handing René Arnoux a comfortable victory over Elio de Angelis (Lotus 81) and Alan Jones (Williams FW07B) in third.
Arnoux's win was his first World Championship victory and Renault's second, confirming the growing competitiveness of turbocharged engines in Formula One. Jones retained the championship points lead. The race was the last held at the original Interlagos layout until the circuit was substantially redeveloped for the 1990 Brazilian Grand Prix.