Formula 1 drivers are set for a “white knuckle ride” as the FIA tests DRS on the Zandvoort banking at the Dutch Grand Prix.
As part of the renovations prior to F1’s return last year, 18 degrees of banking was added to the final corner (Arie Luyendyk Bocht) in the hope of encouraging more overtaking on the main straight to Turn 1 (Tarzan).
However, the FIA opted not to use DRS through the corner on safety grounds, instead setting the activation point just as the banking ended.
But on Friday, drivers will get the chance to try the sweeping right-hander with the rear wing flap open in Practice 1 at least.
“We are keeping an open mind on that, and we will be asking teams for their feedback,” FIA head of single-seater racing Nikolas Tombasiz commented to Viaplay.
“We’ve asked them already in simulations, but also after FP1 we will be asking teams for their feedback.
“And if we feel that there is any, even a remote, risk for the safety then clearly we would have to take action and change it after FP1.”
Even so, Dutch GP boss Jan Lammers was excited by the opportunities using DRS on the banking would provide.
“This year, the corner is going to have your attention,” he said via Motorsport.com.
“Arriving with your DRS open and with 20km/h plus extra speed, it makes for a lot of out-braking chances into Tarzan corner.”
As for what he expects the most challenging aspect of using DRS through the final corner will be, Lammers added…
“When you come out of the banking it is 18-degrees, so when you go through the banking it is relatively easy,” he explained.
“But when you come back to the straight and also go down the hill with a bit of a bump, whereas last year it was easily flat, it will now certainly have your attention. I think we will see a few more white knuckles than before.”