F1 REPORT: An unprecedented 4th DRS zone added for the F1 Singapore GP……..
An unprecedented 4th DRS zone added for the F1 Singapore GP: Reports
The Singapore Grand Prix is set to introduce a groundbreaking change for its 2024 edition, with reports confirming that the Marina Bay Street Circuit will feature an unprecedented fourth DRS (Drag Reduction System) zone. This adjustment marks a significant development for the track and will make Singapore one of only two circuits, alongside Melbourne’s Albert Park, to have four DRS zones. The addition is aimed at increasing overtaking opportunities during the race, an exciting prospect for fans and drivers alike.
The Singapore Grand Prix, held at the iconic Marina Bay Street Circuit, is one of the most anticipated races on the Formula 1 calendar, renowned for its vibrant nightlife and the unique challenge of racing under floodlights. The 2024 edition will be the 18th race of the season, and these adjustments are expected to further boost the spectacle at what is already a fan-favorite event.
The decision to add a fourth DRS zone comes after various track modifications introduced in recent years, particularly in 2023. Notable changes were made to the circuit layout, including replacing the section from Turns 16 to 19 with a 400-meter-long straight. Additional resurfacing has also been carried out at several key points around the track, including Turns 3, 9, 10, 12, 14, and 17. These upgrades are designed to enhance the overall racing experience and improve driver safety, as well as create more opportunities for overtaking.
The latest DRS zone will be located between Turns 14 and 16, providing an extended opportunity for drivers to engage in close racing. Experts believe this will significantly impact race strategy, as DRS zones enable drivers to reduce drag and increase speed on straights, making it easier to overtake rivals. With this extra boost, overtaking, which can sometimes be challenging on tight street circuits like Singapore, is expected to become a more common sight during the 2024 race.
DRS, introduced in 2011, is a system used in Formula 1 to help drivers overtake more easily by reducing aerodynamic drag on straights when a car is within one second of the vehicle ahead. With four zones in place, the Marina Bay Circuit now offers drivers more strategic options, potentially leading to more exciting and dynamic racing. While DRS has always been a topic of debate, with some purists arguing that it artificially enhances overtaking, the overall consensus is that it contributes to a more thrilling spectacle.
Singapore’s Marina Bay Circuit, a 3.07-mile (4.940 km) track, has become an iconic venue since its debut in 2008. Encompassing key areas of Singapore’s Downtown Core and Kallang regions, the street circuit offers a challenging layout with tight corners, fast straights, and limited overtaking zones. Historically, the circuit has a reputation for safety car deployments, with at least one appearance during every Grand Prix since its inception.
The increased DRS zones could also play a pivotal role in reducing reliance on the safety car, as more overtaking opportunities may reduce collisions and incidents that typically trigger safety car periods. With a crowd capacity of over 90,000, the Singapore Grand Prix continues to grow in stature as one of Formula 1’s premier events. The changes for 2024 are expected to heighten anticipation and excitement, making this year’s race one of the most thrilling in rec
ent memory.
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