Australian GP Improves Overtaking With 3rd DRS Zone

For the first time ever, a Formula One race will feature three DRS-Zones, with the organizers looking to improve overtaking opportunities at Albert Park in Melbourne this weekend.

Last year, only two 'zones' enabled the DRS, which has now improved to three for the 2018-event.

It is not known yet if the use of three DRS-zones will be carried over the rest of the year as well, or if this is just a one-off. For example, Monaco has always had just one DRS zone instead of two due to safety reasons.

Normally at Albert Park, the first detection point for the DRS is before Turn fourteen, which allows (chasing) cars to use DRS on the start/finish-straight, and also the straight after turn two.

The second detection point will be placed before Turn eleven, with the activation zone after Turn twelve.

The DRS - Drag Reduction System - temporarily opens up part of the rear wing, increasing speed in a straight line. It can however only be used if a chasing car is within one second of the car in front of him.

The system was first introduced in 2011 so the cars would have more opportunity to overtake each other.