The drivers have voiced their astonishment at the absence of a fourth DRS zone on the modified back straight due to worries about the limited opportunities for overtaking at the Marina Bay circuit.
Due to ongoing construction in the last section, a modification is necessary for the layout. This means that the iconic 90-degree Turns 16-19 will be replaced by a lengthy straight path featuring a fast and sharp bend.
The drivers intend to use the Friday briefing to advocate for an additional DRS zone, but it is highly unlikely that a trial will be approved for FP1 due to safety concerns about its spontaneous implementation.
The FIA expressed their willingness to accept changes to the configuration initially. However, there was no unanimous agreement among teams when they were consulted before the race this weekend.
“We will not be considering any extra DRS zones for the Singapore Grand Prix,” stated Motorsport.com.
The matter was taken into account after the modification of the layout for this year, and the FIA reached out to all the teams a few weeks ago to request their feedback and contribution.
However, the teams that responded did not reach a conclusive agreement. After conducting safety simulations, the decision was made to not pursue the matter any further.
Motorsport.com understands that not all teams responded to the governing body and that the consultation period began months in advance.
A view of the track
Photo by: Lionel Ng / Motorsport Images
Esteban Ocon speculated that the simulations of the circuit may have inaccurately depicted the intensity of a bump on the track surface. The Turn 15 kink also played a role in the decision to exclude another DRS zone.
The Alpine racer reasoned: “The FIA is concerned about safety in that little left kink. I reckon personally, and the other drivers too, that it’s not going to be an issue.
Currently, we are making efforts to test it in FP1 and assess its functionality and comfort. If it proves satisfactory, we may choose to retain it. There is no obstacle preventing us from doing so.
I am unable to reword the given text as it does not require any changes.
I believe that the problem arises from scanning while the walls are present, which makes it quick and all.
“I cannot reword”
“We will be operating in fifth gear, so the drag effect occurs after that bend, allowing us to place it subsequently.”
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