Third DRS zone added for Australian Grand Prix

A third DRS zone has been added to the Albert Park circuit for this weekend’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

DRS has been in use in Formula 1 since 2011, with the majority of Grand Prix venues featuring two zones, where free use is available during qualifying, and permitted when within a second of a rival in race trim.

The activation of the device alters the angle of the rear wing flap, reducing drag, and therefore providing a brief straight-line speed advantage.

Previously, a single detection point on the entry to Turn 14 has been followed by two zones, one along the pit straight and the other between Turns 2 and 3.

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These areas have been retained, but a new zone – with its own detection point – has been added for the first round of the 2018 campaign.

The new detection point has been placed 170 metres before the fast left-right chicane at Turn 11/12, with the activation point 104 metres after Turn 12.

Drivers are then permitted to use DRS through to the 90-degree right-hander at Turn 13, regarded as one of the best overtaking opportunities at the circuit.

It marks the first time that a third zone has been introduced at a Grand Prix.