Drag reduction system

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DRS in action: open above, closed below

The drag reduction system (or DRS) is a form of driver-adjustable bodywork aimed at reducing aerodynamic drag in order to increase top speed and promote overtaking in motor racing. It is an adjustable rear wing of the car, which moves in response to driver commands.[1] DRS often comes with conditions, such as the pursuing car must be within a second (when both cars cross the detection point) for DRS to be activated.

DRS was introduced in Formula One in 2011. The use of the DRS system is an exception to the rule banning moving parts whose primary purpose is aerodynamic and were introduced in response to the banning of F-ducts, which were not susceptible to enforceable regulation.

The system is also used in the Formula Renault 3.5 since 2012[2] and Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters since 2013.[3] An adjustable wing was also used by the Nissan DeltaWing at the 2012 24 Hours of Le Mans, although with free usage.

Formula One

In Formula One, the DRS opens an adjustable flap on the rear wing of the car to reduce drag, thus giving a pursuing car more speed and thus a greater chance of overtaking a car in front. The FIA estimate the speed increase to be between 10–12 km/h by the end of the activation zone.[4] When the flap is closed it creates more downforce giving better cornering.

The device can only be used during a race once two racing laps have been completed, and when the pursuing car enters a designated "activation" zone defined by the FIA.

In 2011, the FIA increased the number of DRS zones to two on some circuits featuring multiple long straights. In Valencia and in Montreal, two zones were endorsed on consecutive long straights, whilst in Monza and in Buddh, two zones were created on separate parts of the circuit. Two zones had originally been planned for every race with multiple long straights from Montreal onwards (depending on Montreal/Valencia success), but such plans did not materialize.[5] However, at the penultimate round of the 2011 season, two zones on consecutive long straights saw a return at Yas Marina.

When usage of the DRS remained legal for the 2012 season, a second zone was added to the opening round's track in Melbourne.

Functional description

The horizontal elements of the rear wing consist of the main plane and the flap. The DRS allows the flap to lift a maximum of 50 mm from the fixed main plane. This reduces opposition (drag) to airflow against the wing and results in less downforce. In the absence of significant lateral forces (straight line), less downforce allows faster acceleration and potential top speed, unless limited by the top gear ratio and engine rev limiter. Sam Michael, sporting director of the McLaren team, believes that DRS in qualifying will be worth about half a second per lap.

The effectiveness of the DRS will vary from track to track and to a lesser extent from car to car. The system's effectiveness was reviewed in 2011 to see if overtaking can be made easier, but not to the extent that driver skill is sidelined. The effectiveness of DRS seems likely to be determined by the level of downforce at a given circuit (where the cars are in low drag trim at circuits like Monza, the effects may be smaller), by the length of the activation zone and by the characteristics of the track immediately after the DRS zone.

Rules on use

File:Sepang drs.png
DRS zones on the Sepang International Circuit in 2011. 1: DRS detection point. 2: DRS activation point. 3: approximate DRS deactivation point (braking zone before Turn 1)

The usage of DRS is limited by the F1 rules. It is allowed to be used only when:

  • The following car is a maximum of one second behind the leading car (the FIA reserves the right to alter this parameter, race by race). This includes a leading car lapping a backmarker.
  • The following car is in an overtaking zone as defined by the FIA before the race (commonly known as the DRS Zone).

Further:

  • The system may not be activated on the first two laps of a race.
  • The system cannot be used until two laps have passed after a restart or safety car appearance.
  • The system cannot be used by the defending driver, unless the defending driver is also within one second of a car in front.
  • The system may not be enabled if racing conditions are deemed dangerous by the race director, such as rain as was the case at the 2011 Canadian Grand Prix.

As of the 2015 season, the drivers are only able to use the DRS system in the designated overtaking zones. A dashboard light notifies the driver when the system is enabled. The system is deactivated when the driver releases the button or uses the brakes.

There are lines on the track to show the area where the one-second proximity is being detected (the detection point) and a line later on the track (the activation point) where the DRS zone itself begins.

Reception

There has been a mixed reaction to the introduction of DRS in Formula One amongst both fans and drivers. Some believe that this is the solution to the lack of overtaking in F1 in recent years while others believe this has made overtaking too easy.[6] Former Formula One driver Juan Pablo Montoya described it as "like giving Picasso Photoshop".[7] The principal argument for the opponents of DRS is that the driver in front does not have an equal chance of defending his position because they are not allowed to deploy DRS to defend. The tightening up on the rules for a leading driver defending his position has added to this controversy.[8]

See also

References