Several Formula 1 drivers believe the FIA should add a second DRS zone to Japan’s Suzuka Circuit incorporating the fabled 130R corner.
Along with Eau Rouge at Spa, the high-speed left-hander was the only corner where the rear wing flap was disabled when it was first introduced in 2011 amid concerns drivers could try and leave it open.
That restriction has remained in place this year with still only a single zone along the main straight which also hasn’t been lengthened due to worries over the right-hand curve which leads out of the final chicane.
However, given how easy-flat 130R now is due to a combination of being reprofiled in 2005 and the grip of today’s cars, Sergio Perez led the calls for the option to be available.
“Turn 1 at Silverstone is a lot harder than 130R,” the Mexican said, referring to the third zone that was introduced at the British circuit this year.
“If you want to have a lift and then come back to DRS, it is really down to you. There will be drivers that take more risks than others but you leave it down to the driver and I think we are good enough to do that.”
Charles Leclerc echoed that comment believing a zone there “probably made sense” with Lance Stroll thinking it would be a lot better for the racing.
“I think it can only help overtaking,” said the Canadian. “It is already a track where due to the nature of the track it is very difficult to follow in the high-speed corners.”
Sebastian Vettel maintained his position against DRS at all, suggesting: “Now we are in Japan, I think [about Mario Kart]. It would be more fun to throw bananas out of the cockpit, so maybe this would be a better idea than to have DRS.”
Romain Grosjean, who crashed using DRS through Turn 1 at Silverstone, also thinks it would be unfair to the midfield teams suggesting only Red Bull could comfortably take 130R flat with the wing open.
Indeed, Max Verstappen had total faith in the downforce of his RB14 saying he would try it on his “first lap on Friday”.
“I think so,” he added, when asked if 130R would be easier than Abbey. “Because you are normally running a little bit more downforce here, so it should be better.”
