Lotus Renault GP driver Nick Heidfeld not a fan of Drag Reduction System – Formula 1 news
Lotus Renault GP driver Nick Heidfeld has said that he is not a fan of the Drag Reduction System which was reintroduced by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) in order to increase overtaking in the sport for the 2011 season.
“Well, like with everything, the more you use it the easier it gets but we're still working on getting the perfect switch positions which we should have ready for Turkey. I think it's all working fine and going to plan, even though I'm not a fan of the rear
wing because I don't particularly like things which artificially aim to improve racing,” said Heidfeld.
The DRS allows drivers to change the angle of their rear wing while driving on the track which means that if a driver comes on a long straight, he can now increase the downforce of his car, obtain more top speed and gain advantage over other drivers.
However, the FIA has allowed the drivers to use the DRS at just one portion of each track which they designate themselves before the race in order to keep a check and balance.
Because of the system, overtaking becomes much easier but Heidfeld believes that it makes overtaking “artificial.”
“With the rear wing active and the car in front having similar tyres, overtaking might still be difficult which is exactly as what was planned with DRS, however if you have fresher tyres it might be much easier to overtake,” said the Renault driver.
Heidfeld replaced Robert Kubica after the Polish driver went through an almost fatal accident at a rally event before the start of the 2011 Formula 1 season.
Heidfeld has been able to perform for the team but overall, his start to the new Formula 1 season has not been as consistent as he was expecting. The German driver scored a podium at the Malaysian Grand Prix and it seems that consistency is the only problem
he is facing at the moment.
The fourth race of the 2011 season will take place in Turkey next weekend on May 8, 2011.
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