The 2018 season of Formula One is almost here. As we’re all aware, this season brings several changes to the sport, the most significant being the halo cockpit protection device.
While an aesthetic change, the halo is going to have a very real effect on this weekend’s race. The FIA has confirmed it will adjust the start light gantry at Albert Park to ease concerns over driver visibility.
Some drivers have expressed concerns in seeing the lights depending on their grid position. As a result, the FIA has lowered the lights at the circuit. This situation isn’t unique to Melbourne as all circuits on the calendar will follow suit.
Furthermore, the second set of lights has also moved to a lower position to aid drivers up front. Before this, the second set was further back to give drivers further down the grid better visibility. All drivers will have an opportunity to test the new setup at the end of both Friday practice sessions.
As a result of the halo’s visibility concerns, there is a new standard height for the main lights. As mentioned, all races this season will follow suit and will feature the gantry at the new height.
Start light tweaks won’t be the only changes noticeable this weekend. The FIA has added a third DRS zone to Albert Park in hopes of improving overtaking. This is a bit of an unprecedented change as circuits will typically have one or two DRS zones.
This weekend’s season-opening race will be the first to feature a third zone. The new zone begins on the exit of Turn 12 and aims to help drivers carry enough speed heading down to the following corner.
It remains to be seen how the new zone is going to affect the race. Best case scenario? It leads to a tighter pack approaching the newly-christened Walker Straight. Should this prove successful, it wouldn’t surprise us to see a second or third zone appear on other circuits.
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