The drivers defend the DRS
This year has seen the introduction of the DRS (Drag Reduction System) in F1 regulations to facilitate overtaking and improve the spectacle of the Grand Prix. The system, somewhat criticized by many observers who find overtaking now too artificial, is nevertheless defended by several drivers who weigh in on it, as the end of this 2011 season rapidly approaches.
The DRS is a controversial system that allows a driver who is within one second of a competitor to reduce the airflow over their rear wing, thus making it easier to overtake on the straight. The overtaken driver is not authorized to use this trick during their opponent’s maneuver on them.
Many voices have been heard throughout the season—the first for this DRS—to contest this technology, which they claim makes overtaking too artificial.
As the Brazilian Grand Prix, which will conclude the 2011 season, takes place this weekend, drivers have defended the DRS, starting with seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher. “For me, it is clear that it is a big step forward. We have had exciting races, like in Korea: think back to the race that Mark Webber and Felipe Massa had there. Without the DRS, it wouldn’t have been the same. The race wouldn’t have been anything special.”
« This is not always the case, but overall it allows for very exciting races, » adds the German driver.
Jenson Button, world champion in 2009, concurs: « The DRS has contributed a lot to races. Overtaking may be a bit too easy sometimes, but there are always negative aspects concerning this kind of thing. However, there is more positive than negative. It brings good things and allows you to be closer to the cars in front. Just like the KERS. »
Besides these two world champions, the very experienced Rubens Barrichello also expressed his enthusiasm regarding the DRS: « It’s something I love. It’s extraordinary: for twenty years I’ve heard that there wasn’t enough overtaking in F1 and now people say there is too much. For some, it makes things too simple, but I think it’s a good thing. »
The Brazilian driver also thinks that the DRS can evolve: Sometimes overtaking is made too easy, sometimes it’s the opposite. I think the FIA (the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, which sets the regulations) can still improve the system for next season.
But before thinking too much about next season, there is still one Grand Prix left this season, at Interlagos in Brazil… Something that allows the drivers to make full use of their DRS and offer us, to end the season properly, some great battles.
