Only one ‘DRS’ zone for British GP – Whiting

There will only be a single ‘DRS’ overtaking zone at Silverstone this weekend.

In Canada and again at Valencia two weeks ago, there were two overtaking zones but only a single detection point — a system that arguably worked too well in Canada, and not well enough on the streets of the Spanish port city.

For Silverstone, the FIA has reverted to the formula of the first six races of 2011, with a single detection zone at the new Village corner (turn 3) and eligible drivers able to trigger the rear wing after turn 4.

This weekend is the F1 debut of Silverstone’s new Wing pit and paddock complex, but the only real changes for the drivers is the pitlane and the location of the new Turn 1.

“The (pit) entry is shorter than staying on the circuit, so we will have to ensure that drivers don’t use these changes to the pits to their advantage,” said race director Charlie Whiting.

On the stewards’ panel this weekend is 1992 world champion Nigel Mansell.

“As for the (pit) exit,” continued Whiting, “this is now quite a steep uphill into an extremely fast corner, so it’s certainly going to be different.  It’s going to be quite significant in terms of strategy as there’s not too much cost in changing tyres.”

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