Understanding Your Car - Drag Reduction System (DRS)

Motorsport has been at the very forefront of a lot of new technology and innovation for the entire car industry. Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport and automotive performance. F1 is the biggest proving ground for performance-enhancing technology and innovation. An F1 car has a lot of tech, systems, and modifications that allow the driver to reach lightning fast speeds while pushing the cars to their limit. DRS is one such technology that aids the driver in driving faster. Let’s find out more about DRS!

The Drag Reduction System or DRS is a driver-adjustable bodywork which enables the reduction of drag on a car and allows for achieving better top speed and ease of overtaking. When a car is traveling at a very high speed it cuts through the air in front. This displaces the air causing wind resistance or drag. Drag affects the flow of air around the car, and this creates friction thereby not allowing the car to reach the maximum speed possible. Car manufacturers and race engineers design their cars in the most aerodynamic way possible to reduce the effect of drag on the car.

DRS was first introduced in F1 in 2011. DRS is an innovation that allows for better overtaking and makes the sport more exciting. The rear wing of the F1 car has an adjustable section – the flap which can be deployed by the driver under conditions where DRS is allowed. When DRS is enabled by the driver the adjustable flap of the rear wing lifts to create an opening for the flowing air to pass by easily. Hence, allowing the car to attain a higher speed and easier overtaking maneuvers. The DRS is activated by the driver by pressing a button on the steering wheel, this sends an electric command to an actuator which lifts the rear wing. Each F1 race track around the world has designated DRS zones, only when a car is in a DRS zone can the driver deploy DRS. The driver is notified when DRS can be enabled. DRS can only be used under the following conditions and rules – 

• The following car is within one second of the car to be overtaken. 
• The following car is in the overtaking zone or DRS zone as designated by the FIA before the race. 
• DRS can only be used after the first 2 laps of a race start, restart or a safety car deployment. The defending driver can only use DRS when he is one within one second of the car in front. DRS may not be deployed if the racing conditions are deemed dangerous by the race director.

The DRS system is deactivated when the driver presses the DRS button or automatically when brakes are applied. DRS is also used in the F2, F3 Championship and the GP3 Series. Technologies and innovations such as DRS are aplenty in the world of Motorsport, hence playing their part in making Motorsport one of the most exciting and fun sports to watch, follow in the world!