There will be just one DRS zone for the upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, but Formula 1 has changed its configuration of at the Imola circuit for the third consecutive year, since the Italian circuit made its way back on the F1 calendar. The famous high-speed circuit has always been a fan favourite, despite the fact that it does not provide a lot of opportunities for the drivers to attempt overtaking moves and also there just a few sections where a DRS zone of significant length could be incorporated safely. It remains, therefore, one of a handful of venues on the calendar which has just one single DRS zone.
The zone runs from the start/finish line towards the braking zone for the Tamburello corner, which is officially known as turn two. As was the case in the 2021 Formula 1 season, the activation point will be 60 metres before turn 19, the final corner on the track.
However the detection point for the corner has been moved. It was previously located 20 metres before Rivazza 1 (turn 17) but is now situated about 385 metres before the corner instead. The new detection point is therefore around halfway between the Variante Alta chicane and Rivazza 1.
The DRS zone was extended after Formula 1 return to the Imola circuit two years ago. The activation point was originally situated at the finishing line, after turn 19, and the detection point was first positioned 40 metres after turn 18.
Last year race winner Max Verstappen said F1 should add a second DRS zone on the run from Variante Alta to Rivazza 1. “That would help a lot because then you get a bit closer for the last two corners,” he said. “Because you lose so much time in the last two corners that even when you put the DRS a bit earlier, you will not arrive in time for turn one.”
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