Longer DRS might not prevent boring Abu Dhabi race
Global Motorsport Media
The FIA has lengthened a DRS zone in Abu Dhabi following fears of another processional race.
Last year at Yas Marina, before the overtaking wings were introduced, the layout was heavily criticised for not allowing title protagonists Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber to pass the much slower Vitaly Petrov.
A year on, two independent DRS zones are set up for Sunday's race.
But Jenson Button said: "I think it's going to be tough to overtake (even) with DRS. On Friday I was DRS-ing out of turn seven all the way down to turn eight and I still couldn't overtake anyone."
Fernando Alonso agreed: "The zones are a little too short."
Auto Motor und Sport said the FIA has listened to the feedback from the drivers and teams and extended the second DRS zone by 85 metres for the race.
I think it's going to be tough to overtake (even) with DRS
Button added: "I'm afraid it's still going to be too short. In practice I was using the wing for the entire straight behind a Toro Rosso and I couldn't pass him."
Mark Webber agreed: "I don't know how exciting the race is going to be in terms of overtaking to be honest."
Share Or Save This Story
Fernando Alonso earns Michael Schumacher comparison from Jenson Button
Who belongs on F1's Mount Rushmore? Pick your four greatest drivers
Jenson Button identifies key reason behind Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari resurgence
Max Verstappen was "nightmare fuel" for George Russell in Baku, says Alex Brundle
Why Mercedes thought Max Verstappen was "on some sort of massive bungee cord" in Azerbaijan GP
Why Mercedes is still quicker than McLaren
NASCAR indefinitely suspends Chad Bryant and another crew member over Corey Heim fight
Portugal to drop off 2027 WRC calendar
Jack Aitken eyes first IMSA GTP title at Petit Le Mans amid ‘Bittersweet’ solo championship fight
Dörr targets DTM future with McLaren as three-year programme ends
The problem with Ferrari’s endless team principal speculation
Why Mercedes is still quicker than McLaren
Baku late-race chaos almost costs George Russell victory over Max Verstappen
How George Russell claimed his career-best pole margin in F1 Azerbaijan GP qualifying
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments