09/11/2011
NEWS STORY
The FIA has confirmed that at this weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, there will once again be two separate DRS zones.
On a track notorious for its lack of overtaking - witness Fernando Alonso's race in 2010 - the first detection zone is shortly before the hairpin (Turn 7) with the activation zone located roughly one third of the way down the (main) straight that follows. The second detection zone is just after Turn 9 with the activation zone comprising around two-thirds of the straight that follows.
"The race came in for a bit of criticism last year because the cars found it very difficult to overtake," admits Race Director, Charlie Whiting. "But there are two DRS zones this year, with two activation points, and they should make a significant difference in that respect.
"Everybody loves coming here to race," he continued, "the facilities are absolutely first class, everything's top-notch and the timing of the event gives a nice mix between a night race and a day race.
"The marshalling has been excellent, too, and race control works very well. It's a thoroughly pleasant working experience. There haven't been any changes to the circuit apart from some very minor kerbing adjustments."
The Drivers' Steward is former racer and BRDC President, Derek Warwick, who was last on duty in Turkey. The Englishman's distinguished career includes 11 seasons and 147 starts in Formula One, wins in the prestigious Le Mans 24 hours race and the World Sportscar Championship, and three seasons in the British Touring Car Championship.
He is joined by Vincenzo Spano, President of the Sporting Commission of the Automobile and Touring club of Venezuela, and Paul Gutjahr, President of the FIA Hill Climb Commission, Board Member and President of Auto Sport Suisse Sarl.
To check out the official circuit map, click here.
To experience a lap of the Yas Marina circuit, click here.