08/06/2011
NEWS STORY
Mat Coch writes:
Drivers are set to get an extra boost at this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix as the FIA doubles the number of DRS zones. Announced prior to Monaco, drivers will be afforded the luxury of two zones in which to deploy the wing - one on the long drag back to the start finish line from the hairpin, with another along the pit straight itself.
"The role of the DRS will play out mostly on the initial straight, from the hairpin," said McLaren's Technical Director Paddy Lowe during the latest Vodafone McLaren Mercedes phone-in. He went on to suggest that drivers who successfully pass their rival will be handed a further advantage as a result. "In theory if you've overtaken on the first straight ironically the guy ahead will be able to continue to use his DRS on the second straight, even though he's already overtaken, and open up an even bigger gap."
Traditionally the Canadian Grand Prix has produced an entertaining race, the 2010 event heralded such a success it was the blueprint for the latest tyre regulations. A mixture of the circuit's long straights, slow corners and cars running minimal downforce have created exciting racing. However, despite this the FIA has chosen the event as the first to feature double-DRS as the governing body continue to tweak the technology.