Two Independent DRS Zones at Yas Marina Circuit

TheYas Marina Circuit announced that the two new special overtaking zones will allow F1 fans to enjoy a more spectacular on-track show at this weekend. They are the so-called DRS zones. It stands for ‘Drag Reduction System’, which will allow each driver to open the rear wing of his car, allowing air to rush through, creating a boost in speed to help with overtaking manoeuvres.At Yas Marina Circuit, for only the third time since DRS was introduced this year, there will be not one but two DRS zones – and one of them is at a prime spectator viewing point.The activation zone is at Turn 10, meaning drivers will be set free to launch attacking moves on the 700-metre run down to Turn 11 – right in front of the Marina and South Grandstands. The other activation point is in front of the North Grandstand at Turn 7, releasing drivers to make passing moves on the circuit’s long straight on the way down to Turn 8.“They are a great development and will create exciting overtaking opportunities and really test the drivers’ skill,” said a delighted Richard Cregan, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit. “In particular, the spectators in the Marina and South grandstands will be close to the action and if you still haven’t got your tickets we have a small amount left in those grandstands.”One man who agrees with Richard Cregan is McLaren Mercedes ace Jenson Button. “It’s usually been quite difficult to overtake here, especially last year, but I think that DRS will change all that,” says Button. “The back straight is one of the longest in Formula 1 so I expect to see a lot of action there. It would be great to see the new rules turn this circuit into a place where overtaking is more common and more exciting.”