F1 Belgian Grand Prix: Why did the FIA ban DRS at Eau Rouge?

A file photo from the 2007 Belgian Grand Prix showing the cars zooming past The Eau Rouge Section at Spa- Francorchamps

Well, its has been confirmed. The most illustrious and popular section of Formula 1, The Eau Rouge section of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium, will not be the place where Formula One drivers would use their Drag Reduction System (DRS) to enhance overtaking opportunities during the Belgian Grand Prix, this weekend. The usage of DRS in the 180 mph flat out section was banned yesterday by the governing body of Formula One, FIA. FIA informed all the teams about this ban on Monday. The last time that FIA had banned the usage of DRS was in the Tunnel section of the 2011 Monaco Grand Prix, two months ago. But the current ban was expected by many F1 pundits and critics. The reasons cited for this ban are many. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

The main concern from most of the drivers was that when they take the Eau Rouge flat out without any brakes, it might lead to unbalanced handling which would cause an immediate crash. The FIA has also cited the reason that if the driver going through Eau Rouge is unaware of DRS being activated in his car, he would ultimately end up in a crash at Radillion, which is the corner at the end of Eau Rouge. This once again emphasizes the safety first policy of FIA and Formula One. Take a look at what the drivers had to say about the ban.

Rubens Barrichello

Here’s Williams driver Rubens Barrichello‘s take on the issue:

“We’re going to see crashes going on if its used. And that’s not the purpose. You’re going to gamble. I mean, last year we had to raise the knee to make it work, and I went through Eau Rouge with one leg, and that’s not the purpose.”

Heikki Kovalainen

Lotus driver Heikki Kovalainen thinks that the maximum downforce at Eau Rouge would still make it a thrilling corner. Heikki said:

“Eau Rouge is, of course, the corner everyone talks about and while it is still flat-out it’s actually not that hard for us now, but it’s still a big thrill,” he said. “Any corner you take at 300km is pretty quick so you hang on the wheel pretty hard so that you don’t get any snap out of the corner, build up a good speed down then you feel all that compression as the car bottoms out through the corner and then you’re up the hill. It’s still very exciting!”

It is true that Eau Rouge is dangerous if not driven with proper care. Here is the illustrious trio of drivers who have crashed in Eau Rouge: Alex Zanardi, Jacques Villeneuve and Ricardo Zonta. While several changes have been made to this section during the past two decades, it still is the most thrilling and yet dangerous section in the F1 calendar. It’s no surprise that the FIA is putting the issue of driver safety into the forefront but it has to keep in mind that the fan’s are spending big buck to watch the races. Their concerns should also be taken into account. The incessant changes in rules and regulations might force some of the fans to loose interest in F1 and give up watching the sport. So FIA and Formula One – BEWARE!