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F1 looking to add additional DRS zones at circuits

Published on 27 Mar 2018 18:32
11
By: Fergal Walsh

F1's race director Charlie Whiting says that upcoming circuits on the calendar could feature additional DRS zones in a boost to aid overtaking. At the Australian Grand Prix last weekend, a third DRS zone was used on the run down into Turn 13.

Overtaking took a large hit as a result of the aerodynamic regulations that were introduced in 2017. Cars found it more difficult to pass each other, which remained a factor throughout the season. And at Albert Park on Sunday, the trend continued with a noticeable lack of overtaking.

Whiting defended the decision to use a third zone in Australia, saying it was worth a trial run: "We are looking at optimising what can be done with the DRS zones," he said. "This is not an ideal circuit for that [overtaking], with the two DRS zones that we have that are not particularly effective.

"We thought as there is an opportunity to do something on that straight between Turns 12 and 13 and if a driver can get a little closer he may get another detection at Turn 14 and use it down the start straight. It was to offer a little something else here but we will try to do something more effective at other tracks where there is more opportunity to try to do that."

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Replies (11)

calle.itw

Posts: 8,527
I didnt mind DRS last year, and if its similar during 2018, I wouldnt mind having extra zones.
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- Mar 27 2018 - 20:43
Major Tom

Posts: 152
Seems a reasonable idea to me to. DRS itself doesn't offend me either.
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- Mar 27 2018 - 23:56
Hepp

Posts: 200
@CALLE.ITW and MAJOR TOM.
Want some excitement and more for the drivers to do? Unlimited DRS - 1 lap after start / restart. Let the drivers control their cars again.
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- Mar 28 2018 - 00:51
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  Thats all very well, but then the cars would be impossible to handle in corners. These cars are pretty heavy already, so I'd say they likely provide a sufficient challenge to drive. As for on straights... Maybe. DRS really didnt do much during overtakes last year, so maybe not a bad idea? Not sure.
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  Mar 28 2018 - 06:09
- RogerF1
  
  Posts: 501
  Thiat is not a bad idea, don’t they run with free DRS in free practice? I take the point on cornering but then that’s the drivers choice if there is time for him to make a jump to overtake before switch off at a corner.
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  Mar 28 2018 - 07:35
- Freguz
  
  Posts: 160
  Unlimited DRS?
  But that would make overtaking even more difficult, if all cars use DRS, noone has the upperhand?
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  Mar 28 2018 - 08:01
- acmonkey
  
  Posts: 5
  @freguz I think what @hepp means with unlimited is the areas it can be used, not who. Only the following driver can use DRS if within the second difference to previous car, just anywhere on track.
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  Mar 28 2018 - 09:50
- Freguz
  
  Posts: 160
  Aha ok.... a lot of measuring points then :-)
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  Mar 28 2018 - 09:55
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  You wouldnt necessarily need more measuring points. You can have the same DRS measuring zones, only it allows you to use DRS a greater distance.
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  Mar 28 2018 - 17:54
F1_IS_Dead

Posts: 123
More fake overtaking zones? Wow...
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- Mar 28 2018 - 10:10
- TottyWelder
  
  Posts: 4
  like having an overtake button? is that fake overtaking? not trying to be funny but if we're talking about fake overtaking then does this button count as one?
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  Mar 28 2018 - 14:09