F1 News, Reports and Race Results

FIA could add more DRS zones at tracks this year - Whiting

FIA race director Charlie Whiting says the governing body is mulling the idea of boosting the number of DRS zones at F1 tracks this year.

A third 'drag reduction system' zone was added at Melbourne's Albert Park between Turns 12 and 13, but last Sunday's race still highlighted the scarce number of overtakes which occurred at a venue notorious for its very limited passing opportunities.

Whiting revealed however that the experiment could be repeated at other tracks this year.

"We are looking at optimising what can be done with the DRS zones," Whiting 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."

Addressing the specifics of the Albert Park circuit, Whiting suggested the track's configuration could be tweaked in the future to help promote overtaking.

"We have discussed some changes to the track layout here with the AGPC (Australian Grand Prix Corporation)," he said.

"There is a project that could be realised, but I’m not sure where they are with that. It was an idea that I gave them a couple of years ago.

"It would be relatively easy, but you must not forget that this is a park with public road, so it’s not quite as easy as a race track."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Vettel leaves door open to intriguing F1 return

Sebastian Vettel walked away from Formula 1 nearly four years ago, but the door to…

7 hours ago

Villeneuve insists Ocon has ‘done his time’ in Formula 1

Esteban Ocon has insisted that he is still fighting for his Formula 1 future, but…

8 hours ago

A late season Le Mans win for F1's all-rounders

Civil unrest in France in 1968 had forced the organizers of the 36th running of…

10 hours ago

Alonso commits to Aston Martin as 2027 line-up is confirmed

Fernando Alonso will remain with Aston Martin for the 2027 Formula 1 season, ending months…

11 hours ago

‘Full confidence’: Ferrari responds to Vasseur-Horner speculation

Ferrari has suddenly moved to shut down speculation surrounding Fred Vasseur’s future, insisting the Frenchman…

12 hours ago

Williams drivers positive on new package, but 'we need more'

Carlos Sainz believes Williams’ heavily revised FW48 has finally given the team something it has…

13 hours ago