Azerbaijan GP: Formula 1: The FIA has made changes to the DRS overtaking assistance for the Grand Prix of Azerbaijan in Formula 1. Specifically, they have reduced the impact of DRS on Baku’s main straight by cutting the DRS zone by 100 meters. In the previous year’s race, the final flat-out kink before Baku’s main straight, Turn 20, was 347 meters past the second DRS activation point. Follow Formula 1 LIVE Updates with InsideSport.IN.
However, the point after Turn 20 has been moved back by 100 meters to 447 meters on the race director’s circuit layout for 2023. As a result, the length of the main straight where the drag reduction device can be used has been reduced.
Despite these changes, the first DRS zone going out of Turn 2 remains unchanged. However, the detection point is still at the same location at the Turn 20 apex.
Baku has undergone tweaks to the DRS zones. This is to fine-tune the balance between improving the show and making overtaking too trivial. Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Australia have also seen changes in their circuits. There are also further tweaks coming in next week’s Miami Grand Prix.
Following a four-week break, @F1 now returns with Round Four of the 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship: The Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit#F1 #AzerbaijanGP
Full preview here: https://t.co/MtJLmaeKzA pic.twitter.com/Ow6dfjB4gb
— FIA (@fia) April 27, 2023
A fourth DRS zone was added In Melbourne to increase the likelihood of passing on the winding parkland circuit. The last activation point was shifted in Jeddah to prevent risky antics in the final curve with drivers intentionally trying to let rivals pass.
Following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in 2017, it was decided that Baku’s lengthy straights and DRS positioning had made passing too simple for F1’s new generation of ground-effect cars, which will debut in 2022.
Shortening the Baku DRS zone is in line with statements made by former F1 director Ross Brawn during the off-season about F1’s efforts to get the overtaking balance right.
In an interview, Brawn said, “The one thing we know is fans, and we know this because we don’t like it, they don’t like the ‘go down the straight, pop the DRS, overtake, drive fast, pull a gap’ all of that.”
According to Brawn, DRS should only be used to mount opponents so that you can launch a decent attack. He also believes that in places like Monza, they shouldn’t be hesitant to lower the DRS. The DRS clearly seems to be very powerful and that is why the use of it should be reduced.
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