The FIA bans DRS in the Monaco tunnel

The DRS is at the center of all discussions ahead of the upcoming Grand Prix, which will be held this weekend on the narrow streets of the Principality of Monaco. The majority of drivers, with the exception of Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher, have spoken out against the use of this system for safety reasons.

« I don’t believe it’s too dangerous to press a few buttons. I’m almost certain that the FIA can find places to activate it safely. I’m sorry if my opinion differs from others’, but that’s my point of view, » stated the seven-time world champion a few days ago.

The FIA initially decided not to ban the movable rear wing for the Monaco round. Nevertheless, its use in the tunnel continued to concern the drivers.

“I would like the leaders to get in the car and try to go through the tunnel with the DRS,” stated Barrichello in Spain. “In my opinion, they are waiting for an accident. And when it happens, they will say ‘Oh next year we won’t have it in Monaco,'” added the Brazilian, visibly very angry with the FIA’s attitude.

For Eric Boullier, Team Principal of Lotus Renault GP, banning DRS in this part of the circuit is not useful. During free practice and qualifying, its use is not restricted. The teams will therefore try to use the wing as much as possible on a lap. In some places, this will not be an issue, but others make drivers less confident. In this sense, the situation is identical to that of other circuits already used this season. The driver must judge where he can safely activate his DRS. All attention is focused on the tunnel where using the DRS can provide a big time gain if the car holds. Some believe that the lure of performance may lead drivers to take unnecessary risks. In my opinion, the drivers will gradually build their confidence during free practice. And in qualifying, they will know to what extent they can safely use the DRS in the tunnel, the Frenchman explains in an interview published on the team’s official website.

Last night, the International Federation announced that drivers would not be allowed to activate their movable rear wing in this part of the track during the different practice sessions or during qualifying, under penalty of sanctions from the FIA stewards. In the race, DRS will be allowed on the pit straight.