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F1: A single DRS overtaking zone in Silverstone

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Khatir Soltani
From GMM

There will only be a single 'DRS' overtaking zone at Silverstone this weekend.

In Canada and again at Valencia two weeks ago, there were two overtaking zones but only a single detection point -- a system that arguably worked too well in Canada, and not well enough on the streets of the Spanish port city.

For Silverstone, the FIA has reverted to the formula of the first six races of 2011, with a single detection zone at the new Village corner (turn 3) and eligible drivers able to trigger the rear wing after turn 4.

This weekend is the F1 debut of Silverstone's new Wing pit and paddock complex, but the only real changes for the drivers is the pitlane and the location of the new Turn 1.

"The (pit) entry is shorter than staying on the circuit, so we will have to ensure that drivers don't use these changes to the pits to their advantage," said race director Charlie Whiting.

"As for the (pit) exit," continued Whiting, "this is now quite a steep uphill into an extremely fast corner, so it's certainly going to be different. It's going to be quite significant in terms of strategy as there's not too much cost in changing tyres."

On the stewards' panel this weekend is 1992 world champion Nigel Mansell. He thinks the debut this weekend of the full FIA clampdown on off-throttle engine exhaust blowing will be "intriguing".
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 8 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada