Brawn hoping to ditch 'DRS' in the future

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Formula 1 sporting manager Ross Brawn hopes future car development will eventually render 'DRS' unnecessary.

The Drag Reduction System was introduced in F1 in 2011 as an artificial means to increase overtaking opportunities in Grand Prix racing.

While no fan of the system, Brawn insists it is here to stay in the medium term.

"My hope is that the cars will develop to the point that we don't need it anymore, but in the near future that will not happen," he told Business Life.

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Brawn said Liberty is exerting caution when contemplating changes in its attempt to get things right.

"Before we can improve the racing, we need to thoroughly understand what's going on," he added.

"We can follow our gut instinct, but that's not good enough when you think about how incredibly complicated these cars are," he said.

Last year, following the introduction of F1's faster new-spec cars with wider tyres and increased downforce, drivers complained that overtaking had suddenly become more difficult, even with the help of DRS.

Brawn reckons the sport might need to take a step back with speed in the future if it equates to better racing.

"Speed plays an important role and the fans want to see the fastest cars," he said.

"But if we see a way to make the racing better, then I would be willing to sacrifice some speed."

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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.