The FIA has banned drivers from using the DRS overtaking wing in the Monaco tunnel at this weekend's grand prix.
The in-race overtaking zone spans just 300 metres on the start-finish straight, but the rear wing system can be used by drivers anywhere else on the twisty street circuit in practice and qualifying.
On safety grounds, however, the first exception of the season has been applied for the famous tunnel, which is technically not a straight but a fast right-hand bend.
The ban was confirmed by Charlie Whiting in a letter to Grand Prix Drivers' Association members, according to the Daily Telegraph. "We were made aware of drivers' concerns about using it and I've spoken to the drivers a few times about it, and it was quite clear the majority of them would prefer to not use it in Monaco," he told reporters last weekend in Spain.
Not everyone agrees with the drivers, however, including Renault team boss Eric Boullier. "The driver has to judge where he can safely activate the DRS," he said.
But former driver David Coulthard thinks the GPDA and the FIA are right in this case. "[The ban] seems like a sensible compromise," he said. "With the marbles that these tyres are producing, to venture off the racing line in that confined space could prove catastrophic. Better not to have the temptation."
30-05-2011, 12:10 AM
Paul
What an idiot, made mistakes and hes blaming other drivers etc.
Good race ruined by the safety car,could of been a great end, i doubt Vettel would of stayed in front on those tires. He got lucky with the safety car.
30-05-2011, 07:27 AM
Noxide
You're right on both.
Hamilton is a moron, and I think Alonso had this one in the bag.
Very sad to know how much faster the Red Bull is on fresh tires though.
And Massa???
FIA president Jean Todt has said that one race will be dropped from the provisional 2012 calendar.
The FIA announced a record 21-race calendar following its World Motor Sports Council (WMSC) meeting last week. The increase was due to the addition of the United States Grand Prix at the new Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, with no existing races being left out.
Only the Turkish Grand Prix remains on the calendar marked as subject to confirmation, but Todt refused to confirm that would be the race to be removed having been asked if the championship would consist of 21 races.
"Absolutely not," Todt told Diario Sport. "There are 21 dates, but the championship will be 20 grands prix. I don't know which one will go, but the championship will be 20 races."
