FIA Confirms Extended Wing Overtaking Zone for Australia

As mentioned shortly after releasing the adjustable rear wing rules, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) will adjust the distance on which the device can be used depending on the track. Meaning that if a track doesn't have a straight line long enough for a driver to activate his rear wing, the 600-meter distance to the breaking zone will be changed accordingly.

And the first such change has been confirmed for the season opening Australian Grand Prix, where the ruling body has extended the adjustable rear wing overtaking zone to before the final corner (Turn 16) of the circuit.

What that means is that drivers who wish to attempt an overtaking maneuver can activate the rear wing as soon as they enter the straight line. Thanks to the change, the overtaking zone now measures 867 meters and stops in time for the drivers to push the brakes before entering Turn 1. The aforementioned zone will be marked on the track through painted lines.

In addition, the FIA has also set up the detection zone for the drivers eligible for the use of the rear wing – remember, the trailing car must be within a full second behind its competitor in order to become eligible for use – before the entrance in Turn 14.

Once they are signaled via radio that they are eligible for rear wing activation, the drivers will have enough time – entering Turn 14, driving through the following short straight and then tacking Turn 15 – to evaluate and prepare their overtaking maneuver for the main straight. As in the case of the activation zone, the detection part on the track will be signaled by painted lines on the track.