Drag Reduction System
The Drag Reduction System (short: DRS, dt: System for reducing the aerodynamic drag ), colloquially often called movable rear wing, is a technique, since the Formula 1 2011 season, since the DTM season in 2013 and since 2012 in the formula Renault 3.5 is used. In Formula 1, this technique leads to frequent overtaking maneuvers. A part of the rear wing is flat hydraulically set, so as to enable a lower air resistance on a straight line, and a higher speed.
Regulations of Formula 1
The system may only be used by the drivers, which are located at a pre-determined by the FIA measurement point of the route within a second distance from the vehicle ahead. Then the driver can activate the system in a specified region of the zone, so - usually on a long straight - to be able to overtake the preceding vehicle competitors better due to the higher speed. The system is automatically deactivated as soon as the driver presses the brake pedal. With a wet track the use of the system is not permitted for safety reasons. In the race of use after the launch or any Safety Car period is allowed only after two full rounds. Since the Grand Prix of Canada 2011 can be set on appropriate sections up to two DRS zones by the FIA.
By 2012, the use of the DRS in all practice sessions and qualifying was entirely legal. As of the 2013 season, it is permitted in all sessions only in the DRS zone to use the system.
Regulations of the DTM
The system must always be used by the previous driver if he holds less than 2 seconds behind the start / finish point to the vehicle ahead. When using the safety cars and 3 rounds after DRS may not be used. It is then released by the race organizers. In addition, it may not be used three laps after the race start and before the end of the race.
Operation and regulations in the Formula Renault 3.5
The system works in the Formula Renault different than in the DTM and Formula 1 While placed flat in the two other series of the wings, so less pressure is produced, the wing is here in the other direction, made steep. It will therefore have an air dam ( in professional circles " Airstall "), and makes the rear wing inoperative. The rules for use of the system are different in this series. Instead of taking the permission of the use of the DRS to certain zones and the distance to the vehicle ahead, a driver in the Formula Renault 3.5 can choose the place of use on the track and the time when it should be used freely. The only limitation is the period of use. That is, the use of the system is usually limited to 500 seconds.
Effects and criticism
Through the use of DRS, the vehicle gets a speedup of about 15 km / h In conjunction with the wind shadow of the preceding vehicle and use the stored energy in the hybrid KERS thus facilitates the DRS overtaking at the end of long straights. However, the opponent can compensate by clever use of KERS this advantage.
Some drivers was criticized during the tests before the start of the Formula 1 season 2011, that the use of the DRS to an increased workload in the cockpit lead, as the driver must use additional buttons and could pose a security risk.