F1 News

FIA designates two DRS zones ahead of race weekend at Paul Ricard

21 July 2022 at 10:33
Last update 21 July 2022 at 11:07
  • GPblog.com

The FIA will maintain two DRS zones at the Paul Ricard Circuit for the French Grand Prix. There is a third option for a DRS zone, but it will not be used this weekend.

In the Event Notes for the French GP, the FIA has announced where the DRS zones are for the upcoming race. Across start/finish, drivers will again be able to use DRS, for which the detection point will be just before turn 14. This DRS can then be activated 115 metres after turn 15 for the straight to turn 1.

Two DRS zones in France

The other DRS area is located halfway the circuit on the long straight. Between turn 6 and 7 is the detection point, when the drivers are already accelerating for the straight. 75 metres after turn 7, the DRS can be opened up to turn 8. The chicane of turn 8 and 9 is the ideal place for an overtaking manoeuvre, also because several lines are possible here.

A third DRS zone would be possible from turn 9 to turn 10, but it is not there. This is probably because there is a fast turn 10 where it is difficult, but not impossible, to overtake. For example, Max Verstappen made Valtteri Bottas look foolish in 2021 by passing him in this corner.

Source: FIA