Share

DRS failure prevented Alonso win

accreditation
<b>TROUBLE BREWING:</b> Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari's Felipe Massa and (behind) Fernando Alonso during the 2013 Bahrain F1 GP. Alonso was to suffer with a failed rear wing later in the race. <i>Image: AFP</i>
<b>TROUBLE BREWING:</b> Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari's Felipe Massa and (behind) Fernando Alonso during the 2013 Bahrain F1 GP. Alonso was to suffer with a failed rear wing later in the race. <i>Image: AFP</i>
LONDON, England - The rear-wing problem that wrecked Fernando Alonso's hopes of winning the 2013 Bahrain F1 GP was a rare component failure within the drag reduction system (DRS).

Ferrari said after an investigation: "It's the first problem of its kind on this system seen on the three years during which it has been used. The failure was not something to cause concern for the long term."

TECHNICAL FAULT

The DRS is a driver-operated adjustable flap that can be opened to provide more speed for overtaking in certain designated zones on a circuit.

Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali said Sunday's failure had prevented Alonso, who had been in second place, from chasing down Red Bull's eventual winner Sebastian Vettel for the victory.

Alonso, who won the previous race in China, finished the Bahrain GP eighth. He is fourth overall in the Drivers' points standings but 30 points behind Vettel.

Stay with Wheels24 for the 2013 Formula 1 season – fresh reports every day.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE