FIA investigating Alonso’s DRS

The FIA have launched an investigation into why Fernando Alonso’s adjustable rear wing was activated outside the prescribed zone…

The FIA have launched an investigation into why Fernando Alonso’s adjustable rear wing was activated outside the prescribed zone.

Formula One introduced the adjustable rear wing, or Drag Reduction System (DRS), at the start of this season to great applause.

But, Sunday’s Chinese GP saw its first error.

The DRS is “enabled electronically by systems operated by the FIA” with drivers needing to be within one second of the car in front and within the activation zone.

In China, that zone started 750 metres before the hairpin at the end of the main straight and basically ended with the hairpin.

However, Alonso was seen with his adjustable rear wing activated after the hairpin, prompting some fans to question why the Spaniard wasn’t penalised.

According to the BBC, the error came when Alonso’s wing was enabled “300m before the end of the straight”, instead of the 750m.

That meant it was still active when the Ferrari driver headed towards the final corner.

And because he “gained no advantage from the situation – in fact it actually caused him a disadvantage – so was given no penalty.”

The Beeb added that the FIA are investigating the error.