DRS zone in Baku shortened by FIA for Azerbaijan GP

The FIA has shortened a DRS zone on the Baku City Circuit main straight to reduce the effect of the system. It concerns the start-finish straight, the longest straight on the circuit.

FIA shortens DRS zone Baku

The circuit has two DRS zones, the second of which is located on the long straight near the start-finish line. The FIA has chosen to shorten that DRS zone by placing the activation point 100 metres closer to start-finish. This will reduce the total distance at which DRS can be deployed. The detection point remains unchanged.

In 2022, the activation point of the second DRS zone was still 347 metres beyond the last corner of the circuit, but it is now 447 metres. So from the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Formula 1 drivers will have the system at their disposal 100 metres less.

The F1 circuit in Baku is not the only one where the DRS zones have been adjusted. Changes were also made in Bahrain, Australia and Saudi Arabia: a DRS zone was moved in Bahrain, a DRS zone was added in Melbourne, while an activation zone was moved in Jeddah. Adjustments are also expected for the Miami GP.