DRS zones altered ahead of first track running at Miami
Posted on
4th May 2022, 18:45 | Written by
Hazel Southwell
Formula 1 has revised the three DRS zones which will be used for this weekend’s inaugural Miami Grand Prix.
Each zone on the 5.4-kilometre
Miami International Autodrome has its own detection point. Since the original zones were defined yesterday the positions of those points have been slightly altered, and one activation zone has also been extended.
The first detection point is positioned 83 metres after turn eight, which is seven metres earlier than originally planned. This zone has been extended by 37 metres, as drivers can activate DRS 30 metres after turn nine. This forms part of a long, high-speed section through turn 10, leading to a potential overtaking spot at turn 11.
The second DRS detection point follows at the end of sector two, 70 metres after turn 16, three metres earlier than before. The activation point, 450 metres after that corner, is unchanged
The final detection zone is at the opposite end of that straight, 15 metres after turn 17, which is a sharp left-hand hairpin. That detection point is four metres earlier than before but its activation point, at the apex of turn 19 at the end of the lap, is unchanged.
Three DRS zones has been typical of the venues F1 has visited so far this season. Only one track, Imola, had fewer. Albert Park initially boasted four, but that was cut to three following the first day of running.
The speed trap for Miami International Autodrome has been places 200m before turn 17, at the end of the long back straight and in theory when drivers should be at absolute maximum speed, despite the proximity of the walls.
FIA begins new clampdown on underwear and jewellery rules for drivers
Posted on
5th May 2022, 22:35 | Written by
Will Wood
FIA Formula 1 race director Niels Wittich has told all teams they must confirm their drivers are complying with underwear and jewellery regulations during events.
Prior to the start of each race weekend, all competitors are compelled by the rules to complete a scrutineering declaration form where teams declare that their cars and equipment comply with the various technical regulations.
Prior to the start of the Miami Grand Prix practice tomorrow, Wittich informed all 10 teams the declaration form will be amended to “include checks relating to compliance with Appendix L to the International Sporting Code (ISC), Chapter III, specifically Article 2 concerning compliant underwear and Article 5 concerning the wearing of jewellery.”
The International Sporting Code states that drivers must wear “long underwear” as well as other fire resistant clothing that are homologated to FIA standards. It also states that wearing jewellery during competition “in the form of body piercing or metal neck chains” is prohibited. With the new change to the scrutineering declaration form, teams must declare their drivers adhere to both requirements during race weekends.
A note added to the scrutineering form explains that the additional declaration “is written to ensure that the FIA-approved Flame-resistant clothing, including both the outer layer overalls and inner layer in contact with the skin can operate effectively and provide the designed level of protection if exposed to flames.”
“The use of non-flameproof materials in contact with the driver’s skin, and in particular synthetic materials, can reduce heat transmission protection and thus increase the risk of burn injuries in the event of a fire,” it continues. “In the worst case such materials may melt which can hinder treatment in the event of a burn injury.”
Regarding the wearing of jewellery, the FIA states that it is prohibited due to it “reducing the protection” to drivers from their fireproof clothing as it can catch against clothing when it is removed in an emergency.
“The wearing of jewellery during the competition can hinder both medical interventions as well as subsequent diagnosis and treatment should it be required following an accident,” the FIA explained.
“In the case that medical imaging is required to inform diagnosis following an accident the presence of jewellery on the body can cause significant complication and delay. In the worst case the presence of jewellery during imaging may cause further injury.”
The clampdown on drivers flouting the rules comes after driver underwear requirements was raised as part of the drivers’ briefing with race director Wittich at the Australian Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton said he is unable to remove certain piercings from his body due to how they were fitted.
“They’re stuff that I can’t move,” Hamilton said. “I literally can’t even take these out – these ones in my right ear – they’re literally welded in, so I’d have to get them chopped off or something like that. So they’ll be staying.”
