22/08/2011
NEWS STORY
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It is understood that the FIA is considering banning the use of DRS at Eau Rouge over the course of the Belgian Grand Prix weekend.
While the FIA restricts the use of DRS during the race to an official zone, drivers are free to use it whenever and wherever they wish during the free practice sessions and qualifying.
However, in light of the notoriety of the Eau Rouge section of the legendary track, widely described by drivers as a flat-out roller coaster ride, the sport's governing body is seriously considering banning the use of DRS in that particular section for the entire weekend. Previously, the only similar blanket type ban was at Monaco where drivers were banned from using DRS in the tunnel.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest corners in F1, Eau Rouge has been the scene of many accidents over the years. Indeed, in 1994, while the sport was still reeling following the death of Ayrton Senna, a temporary chicane was placed at the approach to the corner. Five years later, in 1999, both BAR drivers, Jacques Villeneuve and Ricardo Zonta were involved in carbon copy high-speed crashes at they exited Eau Rouge and headed up the hill.
While the FIA has yet to announce the official DRS zones for the race, it is understood that during qualifying and practice it can be used on 63% of the circuit with only Monza having a higher percentage of usage available.