How many DRS zones are there at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
How many DRS zones are there at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix? The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is scheduled to take place from 24th to 26th November at the Yas Marina circuit – let us take a look at the DRS zones at this venue
The Yas Marina Circuit, situated on Yas Island close to Abu Dhabi, is where the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes place. It was carefully crafted by Hermann Tilke and stands as the second Formula One track in the Middle East, following Bahrain. This circuit’s success led to the creation of other tracks in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Before the 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a two-day GP2 Asia Series test was held to mark the circuit’s official opening. Importantly, the circuit is licensed with an FIA Grade 1 rating.
Located on Yas Island, the circuit sits on a headland isolated from the mainland by a canal. With sixteen corners, several straight stretches, and five grandstand zones (Main, West, North, South, and Marina Grandstands), it offers diverse viewing experiences. A unique feature includes a part of the pit lane exit that runs underneath the track. Furthermore, the circuit includes a team building near the pit area, a Media Center, Dragster Track, and a VIP Tower among its facilities.
Lewis Hamilton stands as the most accomplished driver in the history of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, clinching a record-breaking five wins at this circuit. Next in line, Max Verstappen holds the second spot with three victories, sharing the same count as retired racer Sebastian Vettel. Mercedes and Red Bull lead the way as the most successful constructors, collectively securing six wins in this Grand Prix. Furthermore, Max Verstappen’s lap time of 1:26.103, set while driving a Mercedes W10 during the 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, holds the official race lap record for this event.
At the Yas Marina circuit, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix features 2 DRS (Drag Reduction System) Zones. The initial zone detects cars in the braking zone for Turn 5 and activates the system just after Turn 5. The second zone detects cars at the exit of Turn 7 and activates the DRS a bit further along the straight after Turn 7.
Zone 1: In Abu Dhabi’s first DRS Zone, the detection point lies 250 meters before Turn 5, and the activation point sits 210 meters after Turn 5, marking the circuit’s longest straight. Drivers aiming to overtake the car in front usually aim to be within 1 second of that car by the detection point before Turn 5. With the DRS activated at the straight’s start, they’re likely to catch up and potentially pass the leading car if they were trailing by less than a second.
Since the detection point is before Turn 5’s braking zone, a pursuing car can pass into the corner under braking and still benefit from DRS afterward. Even if they execute a late braking move successfully, staying within a second at the detection point allows them to activate DRS on the subsequent straight. This strategy enables them to create distance from the car they’ve just overtaken.
Zone 2: In the second DRS Zone at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina, the detection point comes 50 meters after Turn 7, while the activation point follows 165 meters after Turn 7. Strategically placed, this zone serves as a follow-up to the first one where a lot of overtaking occurs into Turn 7.
Directly succeeding the first zone, the second DRS Zone provides an opportunity for a car that’s just been overtaken to swiftly regain its position. This setup often leads to intense racing and thrilling battles. Typically, after being overtaken in the first DRS Zone, the driver knows that staying close through the chicane of Turns 6 and 7 offers them a chance to use DRS in this second zone. This scenario frequently results in captivating multi-lap battles, with drivers continuously swapping positions as they strategically utilize the DRS advantage.
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