The FIA’s race director Charlie Whiting has revealed that the teams have been approached about testing the adjustable rear-wing, or DRS (drag reduction system), during first free practice at the Australian GP.
Whilst the teams got the opportunity to test the new system during pre-season practice, the FIA has yet to test its timing-loop with the teams.
The loop identifies if a driver is within a second of the leading car at a predetermined point on the track. This will happen on the final corner leading to the longest straight at most tracks.
Markings on the track surface will alert spectators as to whether a driver is within the operational distance – which will then allow the driver to operate the DRS within the last 600 metres of the straight. (Check out the video below for a better explanation.)
“Operation of the wing as described above is simple, there will be marks (lines) on the track to show the area where proximity is being detected and a line across the track at the point where the drivers whose system is armed may deploy it,” explained Whiting.
“Furthermore, the television broadcasters will be sent a signal each time a system is armed and this will be displayed to the viewers.”
On the matter of testing the system, the FIA is yet to confirm its plans with the teams’, suggesting a decision will be made on the Thursday prior to practice.
“This has been discussed but no decision has been taken,” he said. “We will discuss the possibility of using part of a free practice session in Melbourne with the teams on the day before first practice.”
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