The Albert Park Circuit, home of the Australian Grand Prix, is set to feature four DRS zones for the 2023 edition of the race.
F1 attempted to install four DRS zones at the track last year, which was the first time the sport had ventured to Australia since the Covid-19 pandemic struck worldwide.
A number of changes had been made to the track layout in its break from the schedule, with the most notable alteration being the removal of the old Turn 9/10 chicane.
It saw a new DRS zone be implemented through that section, but it was scrapped following the opening day of practice with safety reasons being cited.
However, the additional zone is set to make a return for the 2023 grand prix.
Speaking on Monday, Australian Grand Prix chief Andrew Westacott told Melbourne’s Herald Sun that he had “positive feedback from the FIA and Formula 1 that technically speaking a fourth DRS zone will be implemented”.
The 2023 Australian Grand Prix is currently scheduled to take place on April 2, making up the third round of the season.
Melbourne used to host the opening race of the season, but it has been replaced in the last handful of years by Bahrain.
With teams gaining knowledge on the new technical regulations that were implemented last year and the injection of the fourth DRS zone, Westacott believes that the upcoming race will be the fastest-ever grand prix in the southeastern Australian city.
“It will be the fastest race in Melbourne ever,” Westacott said.
“You’ve got the evolution of the cars from last year, and they’ve obviously got better, and the fourth DRS zone means the cars will be quicker around the back of the circuit.
“Which will obviously increase speed and therefore reduce lap time and make it the quickest Grand Prix and the highest average speed ever in Melbourne.”
