DRS failsafe

[raymondu999]

In light of Schumacher's DRS failure I've been thinking about this.

So obviously the DRS hydraulics (or is it motorised?) are strong enough to pull the DRS flap up at even max downforce positions, or at the very least - right on the exit of the quickest corner in F1. Whatever that corner is.

So with the system being stronger than the drag/downforce the flap produces at said velocity - how exactly is the failsafe mode engaged? How does the system detect a failure of DRS, and proceed to release the flap? Is it some sort of mechanical failsafe, or electronic? Is it in the regs?

[Kiril Varbanov]

In light of Schumacher's DRS failure I've been thinking about this.

So obviously the DRS hydraulics (or is it motorised?) are strong enough to pull the DRS flap up at even max downforce positions, or at the very least - right on the exit of the quickest corner in F1. Whatever that corner is.

So with the system being stronger than the drag/downforce the flap produces at said velocity - how exactly is the failsafe mode engaged? How does the system detect a failure of DRS, and proceed to release the flap? Is it some sort of mechanical failsafe, or electronic? Is it in the regs?

The regs say:

- The design is such that failure of the system will result in the uppermost closed section returning to the normal high incidence position.
- Any alteration of the incidence of the uppermost closed section may only be commanded by direct driver input and controlled using the control electronics specified in Article 8.2.

That's it, nothing more. It does not seem like a mechanical failure can be prevented.

[Dragonfly]

Then a FIA investigation into this as well the release of the car with flap open is the most logical thing. But I doubt it will happen. They will do it only after a major crash happens as a consequence.

[hardingfv32]

You have a mechanical failure, a crash can be the penalty. So what... thats is motor racing.

Brian

[marcush.]

at the very least Mercedes Grand prix has to face a UNSAFE release with Michaels car .They realised the flap was stuck open and did not stop him.

[piast9]

I am also in doubt in the legality of Mercedes DRS activation system. It was said on autosport.com that the reason for that failure was broken hydraulic line. In my opinion the fail-safe DRS actuator should keep the DRS closed when there's lack of pressure. It seems that Mercedes solution requires pressure to close the wing or unlock it from opened position. FIA should look into it.

[marcush.]

ah ,we don´t know what really was wrong with that flap so many possible reasons to get it jammed .I think the important thing is to warn your driver in time when there is time to do so..but as it stands Schumacher was already in trouble when somebody had the idea to give him a hint...that was 20 seconds into the lap ...And one can see he was entering the pits with DRS stuck open..Are they blind or what?

[bhall]

You have a mechanical failure, a crash can be the penalty. So what... thats is motor racing.

Brian

It's a superfluous risk when tire degradation has rendered DRS unnecessary.