FIA experiments with DRS zones during second Grand Prix at Portimao

DRS, it's a thorn in the side of many an F1 purist, but the system has played a crucial role in overtaking in recent years. The FIA can make or break a race with the placement of the DRS zones. Especially on a new circuit, this isn't always easy, as was proven last year at the Portimao circuit.

With the detection point for the fast long turn and the long straight that followed, it was then very easy to overtake using DRS. Therefore the FIA has decided that the DRS on the straights will be opened 120 metres later this year, as reported by MotorsportWeek.com.

To encourage action elsewhere on the track, a DRS zone has also been added, namely on the short straight between Turn 4 and Turn 5. The detection point there is just before entering Turn 4. The straight isn't particularly long, but with Turn 5 being the slowest on the circuit, it should provide some wheel to wheel battles.