FOTA's 2009 fan survey collated the results of over eight
thousand Formula 1 fans from all over the world. One of the most
significant findings, unsurprisingly, was the consensus that
overtaking needed to be encouraged. Two years later, the FIA
responded in the form of the drag reduction system - a
50mm slot in the rear wing, activated by the driver during a
Grand Prix when they were within one second of any car in a
pre-designated zone.
Nineteen races have come and gone and responses have been mixed.
Opponents say the system is too artificial, crude and that in some
cases, overtaking has gone from too challenging to the opposite end
of the scale. Proponents argue that it has improved the
spectacle because of massively increased movement in the field. The
statistics certainly suggest that DRS has given racing a new lease
of life. Figures from Mercedes GP claim that out of 804
"clean" overtakes (excluding overtakes on lap one or
because of damage), 45% of them involved the DRS
system.
The FIA made it clear from the start that they expected teething
problems and that there would be constant reviews throughout the
year to make the system more workable. Strangely, the technology
needed to employ the use of a double-DRS zone only became available
at the midseason Canadian Grand Prix. The governing body suggested
that two zones would become the norm - but in all of 2011, there
were just five double-DRS zones (Montreal, Valencia, Monza, Buddh
and Yas Marina), and two of those had just one detection zone,
often leading to an overtake being reversed on the very next
straight.
Another issue irked the critics: should activation be permitted
when chasing cars are in the presence of back markers, or vice
versa? Despite these slower cars being forced to move out of the
way under blue flags, we have seen leaders consistently gaining the
use of DRS shortly after passing a backmarker - and in Abu Dhabi,
Rubens Barrichello came sailing past to race leader Lewis Hamilton
to unlap himself. Charlie Whiting has hinted that this problem
could be ironed out for 2012, suggesting that the technology just
hasn't been available for the complexity of such scenarios.
Overall though, it is clear to see the advantages. Many of the
drivers approve with the system. Michael Schumacher says "it has
contributed a lot for some great racing" while Jenson Button feels
the "positives outweigh the negatives". Some of the fans may
feel that it has made overtaking much easier and combined
with the return of KERS and fast degrading Pirelli tyres, there is
no longer a discernible plot to follow - that, and the prestige of
qualifying has taken a battering.
We asked our followers on Twitter yesterday for their opinions
on the use of DRS this year. Below are some of the responses we
received:
DRS is too artificial. I say ban DRS and shorten
the gap between tyres - @Chiriplock
I've enjoyed DRS this season though I think it
should be activated further into the race - say lap 10
perhaps? - @DaleH_F1
I think overtaking should increase through the use
of mechanical grip over aero - @GOGGS_ON_F1
All the best moves this year have been without DRS.
None of the DRS moves have been memorable whatsoever - @dchalmersf1
It's been good but it's very artificial and
I would prefer it if it didn't play such a crucial
role in overtaking - @LawlessonF1
DRS and heavily-degrading Pirellis are artificial
mechanisms. The tyres play to smooth driving (good for Button)
but DRS gives everyone a chance. What about less wing? -@samm123
DRS is a legalized cheat. I do not think that it helps
anything in F1 except making passing 'look' good - @j_nathaniel
What about us? Opinion is divided in the PortalF1 office. Half
of us "really like" the system due to the increase in overtaking,
injecting some much needed excitement into typically dull events
such as the European Grand Prix. Personally, I believe that it
became a bit 'gimmicky' in some races, particularly in Turkey and
Abu Dhabi. I would prefer to see the Pirelli tyres degrade
significantly more to increase overtaking and it is good to see
that the Italian manufacturer is preparing further modifications to
achieve just that next year.
But back to DRS - with some careful adjustments to the rules and
improvements in the technology, it could be at the root of the
sport for many years to come. If the fans wanted more overtaking
and the statistics show it has resulted in more overtaking, then
what's not to like? Yes, it's not F1 as we know it - but since the
eighties drivers nave had "special buttons" to press for additional
revs when they needed to make a move stick, and just last year we
saw the F-duct do effectively the same job to universal acclaim.
The prospects for DRS in future years are good: we just need to
treat it carefully.
Give us your feedback below - we'd love to hear from you. How
does DRS evolve from here?