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May 23rd
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FIA considering double DRS for Oz GP

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Formula One's governing body is already considering changes to the current DRS rulebook for the 2012 season, including implementing a double overtaking zone for the season-opening race at Albert park in Melbourne.

The new DRS wings and accompanying overtaking zones were implemented in 2011, in an effort to boost on-track action via the use of gimmicks rather than an overhaul of F1 car design.

Overall, the DRS wings, which allowed drivers following another car to temporarily boost their performance by reducing drag, were seen as a success.

However, the DRS zones at many races were criticised for making overtaking too 'easy', with drivers completing passing moves well before the braking point for the next corner.

But the FIA are set to continue with the DRS system for 2012, with areas for improvement already being identified.

A report from the BBC Sport website has suggested that the FIA's race director Charlie Whiting has singled out Melbourne and Valencia as the two tracks where the DRS advantage needs to be increased.

The report suggests that Whiting is considering implementing a double DRS zone for the season-opener in Australia, while Valencia will likely see its own DRS zone extended further to help encourage overtaking.

McLaren technical chief Paddy Lowe was quoted as saying that he and the FIA remained convinced that the DRS system was a good idea.

"What's great [about DRS is] at least we can move on from this debate of trying to change the aerodynamic characteristics of cars to try to improve overtaking," he told the BBC.

"We've found something much more authoritative, much cheaper, easier and more effective, and adjustable from race to race."

But the DRS method of inducing action on F1 races remains a contentious issue, with former F1 champion Niki Lauda speaking out against the overtaking aids recently.

"To see passing at the push of a button is fundamentally the wrong direction [for the sport]," the former three-time champion grumbled to the thrilling Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper.

"The front man is totally defenceless. I think from the sporting point of view it is not right."

He added: "There is enough overtaking already because of the [Pirelli] tyres, which often have to be taken right to the limit by the drivers."

Pirelli have already promised to take an aggressive approach to their tyre compounds for 2012, in an effort to rediscover the chaotic tyre strategies of early 2011.