FIA won't tweak DRS zones to improve overtaking

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Formula 1's governing body will not undertake any actions this year to spice up the show and improve overtaking.

The FIA's intention was to assess the opening few races and tyre regulations in order to determine of changes were required, for example to the tyre regulations or the length of DRS zones.

The season-opening Australian Grand Prix led to a boring procession while China and Bahrain were better races.

But last weekend's Russian Grand Prix at Sochi yielded just a single overtaking maneuver for the entire race.

Germany's Auto Bild joked that even the notorious six-car race at Indianapolis in 2005 boasted more overtaking than that.

F1i's driver ratings for the Russian GP

A year ago at Sochi, there were 29 overtakes.

"Well, it's difficult to pass, let's put it that way," championship leader Sebastian Vettel said.

"Behind another car you lose the balance, the car slides and you fall behind again," explained the Ferrari driver.

Sochi winner Valtteri Bottas added: "Trying to get past with these new cars, we definitely lose more downforce."

However, sources are reporting that the issue of overtaking in 2017 was indeed discussed at the last meeting of the technical working group, but the FIA informed those present that the current situation is satisfactory.

And in Russia, all teams were told of the decision to leave the DRS zones unchanged for the remainder of the season, the source added.

Gallery: All the action from Sunday in Sochi

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.