Can we decide to refer to this weekend as the Brazilian grand prix in Sao Paulo rather than the Brazilian grand prix at Interlagos?

If we do, there’s a chance Mercedes GP can be in for a big weekend.

Why?

Of the three podiums Nico Rosberg has, each has come at place beginning with ‘S’. Sepang, Shanghai and Silverstone have all led to a top-three finish for the number one driver in the Mercedes GP team, and who’s to say the same can’t happen again in Sao Paulo?

This is the track where the team, under the guise of Brawn GP, wrapped up both titles last season.

The last two years the track has played host to two of the craziest races in recent F1 history, crowning world champions in the process.

Fernando Alonso can secure his third world championship on Sunday, and in the likely carnage, anything could happen.

Even a podium for the Silver Arrows.

And it might not be a guarantee that Rosberg will be the one achieving it.

Lately, Michael Schumacher has been impressing. His handling of the difficult conditions in Korea was brilliant, and there is no reason why he can’t put in the same kind of performance at a track where he has four victories to his name.

Rosberg has mixed results around Interlagos. Fourth is his best finish, but two retirements and a 12^th-place in 2008 are memories he’ll likely want replacing with a strong showing this weekend.

The beauty of the Brazilian grand prix is wet weather can mean anything could happen. Rain is expected this weekend, but not in bucket-loads like Korea, which should lead to more drama as cars constantly try and find the right tyre to be on.

Should this happen, I have every confidence that the brains of Ross Brawn will enable Mercedes to make the right calls at the right time.

And the more title rivals at the front who run into difficulties will be welcomed by the Brackley-based team, while they will be praying that Mark Webber managed to avoid ruining Robserg’s race should be spin out again.

Despite all the optimism in the world, this weekend could still be a nightmare for the Silver Arrows. Rosberg could get caught up in trouble again, Schumacher could return to his struggling ways, Felipe  - Massa could shoot off into the distance- as he usually does in Brazil – while the five title challengers drive faultlessly behind him.

This would leave Mercedes down in seventh, at the very best.

But retain your hope. This weekend could be a very special occasion for F1, and Mercedes could well play their part. The ‘S’ at the beginning of Sao Paulo says so.

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