The FIA has decided to extend a DRS zone for the second Formula 1 Grand Prix on the bounce, with the start-finish straight at the Baku City Circuit extended by 100 meters.
After the sport’s governing body chose to lengthen the DRS zone at the corresponding straight at the Monza circuit for the Italian Grand Prix two weeks ago, a similar action as been taken ahead of this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with the aim once again being to increase the probability of overtaking.
DRS could previously be activated 447m after the final right-hand curve onto the pit straight, with drivers now able to open-up the rear wing 347m after, in theory enabling them to have a better shot at overtaking the car in-front before the first corner.
The continuity of extending such zones will likely please the drivers, with many complaining last year that overtaking was at a minimum at circuits like the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and Spa-Francorchamps, which had their DRS zones reduced.
There has also been other alterations to the track, including a number of barriers that have been repositioned, as well as new tarmac laid at the pit exit, on the straight between turns two and three, as well as the narrow complex between turns seven and eight.
