12/10/2011
NEWS STORY
The FIA has confirmed that at this weekend's Korean Grand Prix, drivers will be able to activate their DRS on the main straight between turns 2 and 3.
The detection zone will be half way between Turns 1 and 2 on the anti-clockwise track, and the activation zone around a third of the way down the long straight that follows.
"We're hoping for a slightly easier race this year than last," admits Race Director, Charlie Whiting. "2010 was very difficult for a number of reasons. The circuit was very late, as we know, and lots of problems had to be sorted out between practice sessions. We're hoping it won't be like that this year and we're optimistic that things will have improved considerably.
"The track was quite a hit with the drivers as it was quite challenging," he adds. "The only thing that was a little bit of a problem was the long straight between T2 and T3, in the wet, as visibility was quite difficult. A good deal of marshal training has gone on since last year, with the help of CAMS, which will also help the event run smoothly."
In terms of changes to the track, several have been made to improve verges and kerbing around the circuit. The wall between T16 and T18 on the drivers' right has been moved back in order to improve visibility through the corner.
"The FIA driver steward at this weekend's event will be Martin Donnelly, who raced in F1 for Arrows and Lotus. The Ulsterman was a star of junior racing categories in the 1980s before making his grand prix debut with Arrows team at the 1989 French GP, substituting for Derek Warwick. He was offered a race drive at Lotus alongside Warwick for 1990 and started 12 races, finishing a best of 7th at the Hungarian GP, before suspension failure caused a huge accident in practice for the Spanish GP at Jerez, that ended his top-line driving career. Despite the serious multiple injuries he suffered, Donnelly recovered sufficiently to race competitively in national events. He now runs the Donnelly Track Academy in Norfolk and has held a number of racing team management positions.
To check out the official circuit map, click here.