In the last twelve seasons, the Formula 1 single-seaters have always taken to the track with a technology that has become decisive for overtaking maneuvers: the DRS. The rear movable wing, which by regulation is activated at certain points on the track when the chasing driver is within a second behind the car in front, has contributed to a large number of overtaking during races, as well as faster times in qualifying. , where it is instead possible to use it freely, always in the pre-established points of the circuit according to the directives of the FIA.
However, for safety reasons, the latter are always marked at the straights, and never when cornering, in order to avoid downforce losses that would generate accidents. In this regard, the next Dutch Grand Prix however, it could become the turning point of this technology: the FIA itself, in fact, has given the green light to lead DRS test open at the height of the last curve on the circuit of Zandvoortfamous for its banking, and which will be tested during the first free practice session.
A project explained in detail a ViaPlay from Nikolas TombazisTechnical Director of the FIA single-seater divisions: “The idea is to use the DRS before the last corner, then at the entrance, to improve the race in Zandvoort a bit. – He admitted – but we are open to this topic and we will ask the teams for their opinion. We have already consulted them in the simulations, but even after the PL1 we will ask for their opinion and if we see that there is a risk, however remote, for safety, we will obviously have to intervene and change ”. Being able to open the DRS before the last corner would lengthen the stretch to be covered with an open wing by 300 meters.
Outside the teams, the opening of the DRS at the level of banking could generate perplexity and little encouraging ones even at home Pirellias specified by the Motorsport Director of the Milanese house, Mario Isola: “Normally when the DRS is opened, the load is transferred to the front, so the front tires are much more stressed than the rear ones. – has explained – we have to check the data after this test to understand if in these conditions the rear wheels slip, if there is overheating of the surface, or what is the load on the front, but it is a bit difficult at this moment to make a correct prediction. We know that in Zandvoort it is quite difficult to overtake, unlike in Spa. We hope that with the selection we have made there will be a little more overtaking. The big difference from last year is that we have chosen the C1, C2 and C3, and we know that the new C1 lacks a bit of grip. For next year we are developing a new C1 with a little more grip. If it occurs on a short lap like that of Zandvoort, which is similar to what happened in Budapest, then maybe the hard is not a suitable option for the race, and the teams will focus on the medium and the soft ”.
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