The FIA has revealed that F1 drivers will be able to activate \u2018straight mode\u2019 on the approach to Suzuka\u2019s notorious 130R corner at the Japanese Grand Prix.<\/p>\n
A so-called \u2018active aero\u2019 system has effectively replaced the previous DRS mechanism for the F1 2026 season.<\/p>\n
FIA adds extra active aero zone for Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka<\/p>\n
Want more PlanetF1.com coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google<\/a> to your favourites list for news you can trust<\/p>\n Unlike DRS, which applied only to the rear wing, active aero allows drivers to open and close both the front and rear wings to suit different parts of each circuit.<\/p>\n As the name suggests, straight mode is used to enhance speed on the straights by reducing drag. The cars then revert to their natural configuration to maximise downforce levels for the corners.<\/p>\n In previous years, only one DRS zone \u2013 located on the main straight \u2013 has been made available at the Suzuka circuit.<\/p>\n Go deeper: Matt Somerfield\u2019s F1 2026 tech analysis<\/p>\n F1 2026 front wings: Different design choices under microscope<\/a><\/p>\n Explained: How Ferrari pushed F1 2026 regulations with Chinese GP developments<\/a><\/p>\n However, the FIA has revealed that an additional straight-mode zone will feature this weekend on the flat-out section between Spoon Curve and 130R.<\/p>\n 130R is one of the most fearsome turns in Formula 1 following a number of dramatic accidents at the corner over the years.<\/p>\n Toyota driver Allan McNish suffered a huge 69G crash at 130R in 2002 in which his car breached the barrier (below).<\/p>\n As reported by PlanetF1.com last month<\/a>, meanwhile, Williams junior Luke Browning suffered a similar accident at 130R during a recent Super Formula test with his car landing over the fence.<\/p>\n This weekend will mark the first time since 2012 that a DRS-style tool will be available to drivers at that specific section at Suzuka.<\/p>\n Following the introduction of DRS in 2011, drivers were able to use the moveable rear wing at any part of the lap in practice and qualifying.<\/p>\n However, a change was made ahead of the 2013 season to clamp down on the free use of DRS amid concerns that drivers were testing the limits on a single lap, resulting in a series of high-speed spins as they tried to gain laptime over their competitors.<\/p>\n It means 2026 will be the first time ever that a designated DRS or SM zone is in place on that particular straight.<\/p>\n The straight between Spoon and 130R is among the narrowest parts of the Suzuka lap with a limited run-off area on both sides of the circuit.<\/p>\n The section also passes over the exit of Degner 2, making Suzuka the only figure-of-eight circuit on the F1 calendar.<\/p>\n During the DRS era, it was common for DRS zones to be removed by the FIA during a race weekend if safety concerns were raised in drivers\u2019 briefings.<\/p>\n This memorably occurred at the Australian Grand Prix in 2022 when the DRS zone on the high-speed approach to the Turns 9-10 chicane was dropped due to safety reasons.<\/p>\n Despite these previous concerns being aired, a straight-mode zone was in place at Albert Park for F1\u2019s visit to Australia earlier this month.<\/p>\n As reported by PlanetF1.com on Tuesday<\/a>, slower cornering speeds are expected at 130R and the esses due to the energy requirements of the F1 2026 cars.<\/p>\n Alpine racing director Dave Greenwood said: \u201cWith reduced downforce on the cars, we\u2019ll definitely see lower apex speeds in the opening sequence of corners \u2014 the esses from Turn 3 to 7 \u2014 and drivers will take them in a lower gear.<\/p>\n \u201cBy the start of the second sector, from the first Degner to the hairpin, the cars should be in a much more similar performance window to last year.<\/p>\n \u201cThe effect of less downforce will be keenly felt around Spoon.<\/p>\n \u201cDrivers will be grip-limited for longer there, which will make it more challenging. I think we\u2019ll see more variation in the lines taken and it\u2019s critical because of the exit you need onto the next straight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think we\u2019ll see some variation in speeds through 130R across the teams, as you won\u2019t want to waste energy if you\u2019re scrubbing speed laterally on the tyres.<\/p>\n \u201cI think we\u2019ll see cars harvesting before they reach the Turn 16 chicane. I think we\u2019ll also be much quicker than in previous years out of the hairpin and on the exit of Spoon.\u201d<\/p>\n Want to be the first to know exclusive information from the F1 paddock? Join our broadcast channel on WhatsApp<\/a> to get the scoop on the latest developments from our team of accredited journalists.<\/p>\n You can also subscribe to the PlanetF1 YouTube channel<\/a> for exclusive features, hear from our paddock journalists with stories from the heart of Formula 1 and much more!<\/p>\n