DRS zone extended in China to encourage overtaking

The Shanghai circuit, theater of the Chinese Grand Prix, has two areas in which drivers can open their rear wing in order to reduce drag and thus increase their top speed. The one affected by an extension decided by the FIA ​​is the area of ​​the immense straight of sector three. At 1 meters, it is one of the longest on the calendar.

While the detection point at Turn 12 remains unchanged, the DRS activation point at the exit of Turn 13 has been moved closer. The result: an additional 75 meters of opening! This increases overtaking opportunities but also increases the braking force required for Turn 14, a right-hand hairpin. The other DRS zone, however, remains unchanged.

The choice is explained by a desire to increase the excitement during this Chinese Grand Prix. As a reminder, Formula One Management has already explained its strategy for allocating the Sprint format for Grand Prix: circuits with strong overtaking potential are required. With this extension of the second DRS zone, the Shanghai International Circuit should be the scene of many battles. Finally, this modification is not the only one made to the layout, as the organizers have also completely resurfaced the track.

As a reminder, the Shanghai circuit is hosting the second Grand Prix of the season this weekend, the first in sprint format. The only Free Practice session will begin at 4:30 a.m. (French time) this Friday.

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