DRS could be banned in Monaco

Formula 1 chiefs are considering banning the use of the Drag Reduction System for the Monaco Grand Prix because of safety considerations, AUTOSPORT can reveal

DRS could be banned in Monaco

The introduction of the DRS this year has been viewed as a great success in helping improve the racing - with Nico Rosberg even claiming last weekend that it was one of the best ideas that F1 has ever had.

However, AUTOSPORT understands that a number of drivers have expressed reservations about the use of DRS in Monaco because of the track's unique characteristics.

As well as there being no long straight where a DRS overtaking zone would be very effective, drivers are worried that its free use throughout practice and qualifying could compromise safety.

With grid positions so important at the Monte Carlo track, drivers could find themselves needing to take risks in running through some corners - like the fast right hander through the famous tunnel - with the wing open to reduce drag.

Although no final decision on the matter has been taken, sources have confirmed to AUTOSPORT that the FIA is considering not allowing the use of the DRS in Monaco.

It is understood that discussions will be held with teams and drivers at next month's Turkish Grand Prix about the situation, with a final decision on what to do for Monaco being taken after that event.

With the implementation of the DRS having been given the thumbs up by teams, drivers and fans, the FIA is sticking for now to the use of a single zone at each track where it can be activated in the races.

At the Turkish Grand Prix, the DRS zone will be situated on the straights between Turns 10 and 12, although it is not yet known how far the activation area will extend for. For the Spanish Grand Prix, the zone will be on the start-finish straight.

Rosberg's comments about the success of the DRS came after the Chinese Grand Prix, where use of the wing allied to the nature of Pirelli tyres helped produce a spectacular race.

"F1 has done a brilliant job," he told AUTOSPORT. "How exciting have the races been? They have been stunning.

"There is nobody saying we are having boring races. There is overtaking left, right, and centre - everywhere. So, they have done a really, really good job and that is the most important thing that needs to be highlighted.

"The people in charge have made the sport from one year to the next so much more exciting, and that is awesome for the fans and everything. It is really cool, isn't it? It is the tyres and the rear wing.

"The rear wing - best idea ever probably, for this sport. No? And tyres also. Pirelli, everybody has been criticising them, but they have made our sport spectacular. So that is cool."

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