DRS Inventor 'Deserves Praise' - Robertson

By: GMM

As in Canada, there will be two 'DRS' overtaking zones on the streets of Valencia this weekend, but only one 'detection point'.

Praise for the DRS rear wing

Photo by: xpb.cc

The new-in-2011 adjustable rear wing innovation contributed to a plethora of overtaking on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, ahead of this weekend's event at Valencia where processional races have been common.

But Canada winner Jenson Button is not sure 'DRS' will transform the spectacle of the European Grand Prix.

"It's a hard place to pass and, even though there will once again be two DRS zones, I don't think that's going to make it much easier during the race," he said.

The Spanish sports newspaper AS revealed that the DRS 'detection point' this weekend will be 130 metres before turn 8, with the first overtaking zone set for the run between turns 10 and 12.

The second zone, also useable by drivers who were within 1 second of their prey at the detection point, is situated between turns 14 and 17.

I don't think that's going to make it much easier during the race

Jenson Button

"Some of the purists believe DRS has made the racing artificial, but the fact is that every race is now absolutely entertaining," Steve Robertson, 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen's manager, told Turun Sanomat newspaper.

"Whoever invented this system deserves the most authentic of praise. The cars have kept their speed and at the same time are able to race. Full marks!" he added.

DRS will be deactivated at Valencia this weekend if it rains, but the weather forecast for the Spanish port city so far is for clear and sunny conditions.