Singapore changes again: fourth DRS zone added at Marina Bay

09/17/2024 12:25 PM

Due to some work at Marina Bay, last year the layout of the Singapore circuit was slightly modified, skipping one of the slower sections of the track in favor of a nearly straight section. A modification that, in fact, was well-liked by the drivers, so much so that they proposed to keep it unchanged for the future.

However, the same drivers pointed out that, with a DRS zone, that section could have provided more overtaking opportunities before the chicane, making the Singapore Grand Prix more exciting. The FIA consulted the teams about the possible addition of a DRS zone, but the governing body explained that there was no “clear consensus,” as unanimity among all teams had not been achieved.

“It was an aspect that was considered after this year’s layout change, and the FIA contacted all the teams several weeks ago to ask for their feedback and input. However, there was no clear consensus from the teams that responded, and following our safety simulations, it was decided not to pursue the issue further,” read a statement from the governing body.

The section under the FIA’s attention was between turns 14 and 16, which also featured a small left-hand turn that the drivers tackled flat out. The problem lay in the fact that, right at turn 15, there was a bump last year that raised safety concerns. In previous seasons, it was a relatively low-speed area since it was followed by a slow chicane, but from last year, that section was taken at full throttle, and the fear was that with the DRS open, safety issues could arise.

This year, however, the FIA has confirmed that DRS will be allowed in that section, and it will be the fourth zone on the track where the rear wing can be activated. This creates a consecutive double DRS zone following the stretch between turns 13 and 14: the FIA has not yet provided the final map, but it is likely that for these two zones, there will be only one detection point.

Speaking last year, Alpine’s Esteban Ocon explained: “The FIA is concerned about safety in that small left-hand corner. Personally, and the other drivers as well, I believe it won't be a problem. Right now, we are pushing to try it at least in FP1, see how it feels, and if it goes well, potentially keep it. There’s no reason not to keep it.”

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